§ 63. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the necessity for stopping wasteful and useless expenditure of time and money, he will take steps to ensure that no dances or other entertainments shall take place in public rooms, clubs, or places other than private houses after the hour of midnight?
§ Sir G. CAVEI would refer my hon. and learned Friend to No. 10 C of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, by which power is conferred on the Admiralty, the 716 Army Council, and the Minister of Munitions to stop public dancing or music if they prejudice military discipline or the production of munitions. I will consult my colleagues as to making a more general Regulation.
§ Mr. BUTCHERIs it not right that civilians should be prevented from indulging in this wasteful and pernicious expenditure?
§ Sir G. CAVEI shall consult my colleagues.
§ Mr. DEVLINWould it not be desirable to close all places of amusement for soldiers coming for a holiday to this country, and have prayer meetings conducted by the hon. Gentleman?