HC Deb 02 August 1926 vol 198 cc2626-7
64 Colonel DAY

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that prosecutions for offences under the Theatrical Managers' Registration Act, 1925, can only be instituted in the district where such registration was effected; and will he consider an Amendment to the existing Act in order to provide for proceedings being instituted in the districts where performers may have been abandoned.?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

So far as I can see the Act already meets the hon. Member's case as an offence has to be prosecuted before the Court of Summary Jurisdiction within the area of which the offence was committed. If, however, the hon. Member will give me particulars of any difficulty which has arisen I will consider the matter further.

Colonel DAY

Is the Home Secretary aware that just lately a prosecution took place in London where the place of registration was Newport, and consequently the magistrate could not deal with the case?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

If the hon. Member will give me the details of the case I will look into it.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

May I ask whether theatrical managers are in the habit of committing offences?