§ 52. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the difference of conditions governing stage plays and music and dancing licences that exist in many towns in Great Britain, he will consider the appointment of a Departmental Committee for the purpose of advising him with the object of introducing legislation to make all such licences uniform or, alternatively, will he refer the matter to any Committee that may be set up in the future to deal with licences?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)I am not clear as to the point of the hon. Member's question, but the question of the licensing authorities has been brought before the Royal Commission on Local Government, and I must await their Report.
§ Colonel DAYWhere a music and dancing licence is held over, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if any two people appear in that theatre they can be prosecuted by a common informer for appearing in a place which has not a dramatic licence?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not know what the hon. Member is driving at. If he wants to alter the law, why does he not bring in a Bill?
§ Colonel DAYIf I brought in a Bill, would the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for it?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI must wait until I have seen the Bill.