§ MR. P. A. TAYLORasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, 469 Whether his attention has been called to the prohibition by the Lord Chamberlain of the performance of sacred music in the theatres on Good Friday last; whether he can state to the House the reasons for this change in practice; and, whether the Government propose to take any steps, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent in future such interference with the enjoyments of the people?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS, in reply, said, the Lord Chamberlain's power with respect to performances of any kind, whether secular or sacred, on Good Fridays were defined by 6 & 7 Vict. c. 68, and the licences for music were granted by the Justices under 25 Geo. II. c. 36. The Lord Chamberlain had made no change whatever in practice with regard to the issue of licences for stage plays. The following days had always been excepted from such licences:—Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Sundays. On these days theatres were unlicensed houses, and no performances for hire could lawfully be given within them, nor could the Lord Chamberlain grant a licence for performances in theatres on those days. If at any time there had been such performances, they had been given without his sanction or assent. There was no necessity for any fresh legislation for licensing music-halls and concert-rooms for the performance of music, as the magistrates had the power, if they thought fit to exercise it, excepting on Sundays.
§ MR. P. A. TAYLORDo the Government intend to take any step in the matter?