HC Deb 16 June 1915 vol 72 c649
7. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Zangwill's play, "The Melting Pot," has been withdrawn from performance at Edinburgh owing to the intervention of the Foreign Office; and on what ground this action has been taken?

41. Mr. KING

also asked whether, seeing that the play has frequently been performed in England and is conciliatory, more particularly towards Russia and the United States, whether the prohibition of this play will be reconsidered?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord Robert Cecil)

The performance of the play in question was not prohibited, but, at the request of the Foreign Office, it was suggested informally through the Scottish Office to the producers of the play that, in present circumstances, they should replace it by another play. This they were good enough to do.

Mr. KING

Is the Noble Lord aware that this play has been witnessed by a Member of the Cabinet, who expressed approval of it? If I give the Noble Lord the name of the right hon. Gentleman, in confidence, will he make inquiries on the point?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

I am not responsible for the literary tastes of the whole of the Cabinet.