§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ SIR G. SITWELL (Scarborough)said, he hoped the House would allow the Bill to be read a second time, and that the hon. Member from Scotland who was opposing it would be content with moving in Committee that the operation of the measure be confined to England.
§ MR. REES DAVIES (Pembrokeshire)What are the objects of the Bill?
§ SIR G. SITWELLexplained that under the Lord's Day Observance Act it was impossible for sacred music to be played on Sunday in cases where money was taken at the door. The Bill was to enable sacred concerts to be held on that day and money to be taken at the doors, and so to prevent those promoting such Sunday concerts from being subjected to the heavy penalties imposed by the Lord's Day Observance Act.
§ LORD F. HAMILTON (Tyrone, N.)asked how on earth it was possible to define what was sacred music? He himself had heard "Tommy make room for your uncle" sung as a sacred tune. Obviously the definition was difficult, and he hoped the supporters of the Bill would consent to the omission of the word "sacred."
§ MR. TOMLINSONI object.
§ SIR G. SITWELLI appeal to the hon. Gentleman to allow the Bill to be read a second time.
§ MR. TOMLINSONIt is a Bill which clearly requires discussion. I am not going to argue the question now. I must object.
§ Further Proceeding adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed upon Monday next.