§ 54. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether he can give particulars of the interviews he has had with delegations with reference to the opening of cinema theatres on Sunday evenings; and has he come to any decision with regard to them?
§ 57. Mr. ROMERILasked the Home Secretary if he has considered the application from the London theatre managers asking him to receive a deputation on the subject of Sunday entertainments; whether such a deputation has been received; and whether he can now make any statement as to the attitude of the Home Office on this issue as a whole?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have already received deputations from the London County Council and the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association. I am receiving a deputation from representatives of the theatrical interests this afternoon and another from the Lord's Day Observance Society to-morrow. I regret I am not able to make any further statement at present.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to come to some definite decision in this matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESI would remind my hon. Friend that it took a very long time for the courts to lead up to the decision which has created the present position, and some time will be required to enable the Government to reach a decision on the subject.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the whole industry is in a state of chaos and that the public are anxious to know what their position will be in the immediate future, because the theatres will be closed?
§ Mr. CLYNESI realise the degree of public interest in the matter, but any hasty action in itself will not dispel the grievance.
§ Mr. MUGGERIDGEWould not a mere repeal of the Act of 1780 suffice to remove the doubt on the subject? It is an obsolete Act.
§ Mr. CLYNESNo, I do not think so.