§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he would explain why three years and a-half have been allowed to elapse between the passing of the Act of 1878, giving the Metropolitan Board of Works 1101 power to deal with theatres and other places of public entertainment, before any steps were taken to enforce its provisions for the protection of the public from the risks of fire; why, after the burning of the Opera House at Nice, in March of last year, to which his attention was called, a period of nine months elapsed before inspectors were appointed to report upon the condition of places of public entertainment; and, if he is prepared to enforce against the owners of such places the penalty of fifty pounds a-day, provided in Section 12 of the Act of 1878, for those who keep open such places contrary to the provisions of the Act?
§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGG (for SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT)The hon. Member is in error in supposing that no steps have been taken to carry out the Act of 1878. Plans of 44 theatres have been prepared and examined, several theatres have been inspected and reported on, and the Board are in communication with the owners of others, with a view to amending arrangements. The hon. Member is not correct in assuming that Inspectors have been appointed to report on the condition of places of public entertainment. The Architect of the Board, on whom the duty devolved, found that, in consequence of press of business, the preparation and examination of the numerous plans would render additional assistance necessary, and he was authorized to engage two drawing clerks. With regard to the third part of the Question, I must point out that Section 12 of the Act relates to new theatres which are subject to regulations made by the Board some years ago, and the condition of these is in accordance with the rules of the Board. I may add that the Board are seeking further powers in the present Session.