§ MR. JOHN CAMPBELL (Armagh, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state on what grounds the presentation of the play styled "Secrets of the Harem," which has already run for over four years, has been recently prohibited at the Shakespeare Theatre, Clapham Junction, and if he will see that this inhibition, which is causing loss to the various persons engaged in the enterprise, is promptly removed.
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. JESSE COLLINGS,) Birmingham, BordesleyThe Secretary of State has been asked by the Secretary to the Treasury to answer this question. Representations having been made to the Lord Chamberlain that this play, as recently presented and advertised, was offensive to the sovereign of a friendly state, the 93 licence was withdrawn. While regretting any loss that the inhibition may entail upon the persons engaged in the enterprise, the Lord Chamberlain sees no reason to alter his decision, though he will be happy to consider any revised version under a different title and with all objectionable matter eliminated.
§ MR. JOHN CAMPBELLHow was it that this play ran for four years without being interfered with?
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGSI understand that it did not run consecutively for four years in the present theatre, but it has been revived this year at the Shakespeare Theatre, and, objection having been made, the Lord Chamberlain intervened.