HC Deb 19 July 1911 vol 28 cc1026-7
Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

asked whether the proposal for a single licence for all places of public entertainment which was made unanimously by Mr. Samuel's Committee is supported by theatre managers, music hall managers, associations of actors and music hall performers, besides dramatic authors; and what is the opposition to this proposal which has led him to describe it as highly controversial?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am aware of the support which the proposal receives, but it will be equally within my hon. Friend's knowledge that the proposal was opposed before the Joint Committee of 1909, and is still opposed, by influential theatre and music hall managers, by representative associations of such managers, and by those concerned in the administration of the present law.

Mr. R. HARCOURT

Is the right hon. Gentleman referring to representations which officially reached him at the Home Office, and which are directly contrary to my information?