He said he was be confident that in the years ahead recognition of the holiday would grow and St Andrew's day would become an additional holiday.

BBC: Members debate: St Andrew's day

"Bank holidays are well established in this country and any move to introduce an additional holiday would need to balance the benefits it would bring to some individuals and businesses against the cost and disruption it would involve for others, " the BERR spokesman said.

BBC: Call for volunteers' bank holiday

April 2011 saw an additional bank holiday granted to coincide with the royal wedding.

BBC: Do bank holidays cost the economy?