§ Sir JOHN JARDINEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department 1544 whether by executive order or intervention he has any power to check the use in plays or songs at theatres and music halls of language of insult to princes and chiefs in India in alliance with the British Government?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Lord Chamberlain has ample powers of checking the use of insulting language in stage plays given at theatres and music halls, and the county council can intervene in the case of songs at music halls.
§ Mr. ARNOLD WARDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the language complained of occurs in the play called the "Sunshine Girl," and refers to the Gaek-war of Baroda? Is he also aware that since objection has been taken the passage complained of has been altered, and that the song is now sung in its altered form?
§ Mr. McKENNAI was not aware of these facts. I thank the hon. Member for informing me.
§ Sir J. JARDINEWhy did not the Censor take notice of this before the question was put down?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no responsibility for the Censor. I have not been informed.