§ 9. Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the difficulties arising from the licensing laws controlling stage plays and singing and dancing licences at theatres, variety theatres, and carabet entertainments at hotels and night clubs, he will consider setting up a commission to investigate and report on the whole situation, with a view of introducing legislation to make licences governing places of entertainment uniform throughout Great Britain?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am aware of anomalies in the existing law relating to the licensing of places of entertainment, but I have not heard of any serious difficulties in its administration. I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind, but I do not think the circumstances would warrant my instituting a comprehensive inquiry of this kind at the present time.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentle man aware that all theatres which hold singing and dancing licences are committing breaches of the law nightly, and will he consider introducing some legislation for the purpose of legalising the entertainments that they have been giving for years?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am certainly not aware of what is stated by the hon. and gallant Member, and I would suggest that he should supply me with full information on the subject.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of all variety theatres that hold either a singing or dancing licence, if more than two people appear on the scage together in a singing or dancing entertainment they are liable to have summonses taken out against them by any common informer?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is obvious that I have not the acquaintance with the laws in reference to variety entertainments which the hon. Member possesses.
§ Colonel DAY rose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member can give the information which he possesses to the Minister at another time.