§ Mr. ROBERT HARCOURTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the character of some passages in the play called "The Secret Woman," he will say what action, if any, he proposes to take in the interests of public order and decency with regard to those persons who are causing this play to be performed at the Kingsway Theatre?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs the performance was by invitation and not for hire, I am advised that there is no power to take action under the Theatres Act. I do not propose to take any proceedings.
§ Mr. ROBERT HARCOURTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the evidence given before the Joint Committee on Stage Plays (Censorship) with regard to the play "Dear Old Charlie," by Mr. Charles Brookfield, the manuscript was reexamined by the Examiner of Plays before its revival; whether any alterations were made; and whether, in its present form, it is considered free from objection?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am informed that the answers to the first two parts of the question are in the negative. With regard to 978 the third part, the Lord Chamberlain sees no reason for interfering with the decision of his predecessor who licensed the play.
§ Mr. R. HARCOURTMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that this play was described in the "Times" as "cynical and shameless immorality," and whether it is proposed to bring an action for libel against that paper?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not know why the hon. Gentleman addresses the question to me. I have no responsibility in the matter.