§ 50. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the sums that are now being expended on the production of variety entertainments and revues exceed in many instances the prewar expenditure on similar objects; and whether he will take steps to limit such expenditure of national labour and capital for the duration of the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWProducers of entertainments of the nature referred to by the hon. Member are liable to the same restrictions with regard to the supply of labour and materials as other classes of the community.
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would be 2143 better at the present time to stop this wasteful extravagance on the production of variety entertainments and revues?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat deals with the general question as to what are necessaries and luxuries. There may be a great deal to be said for the hon. Member's suggestion, but I am not prepared to say that theatres should be closed.