§ 43. Mr. EDEasked the Home Secretary how many of the authorities which have power to make regulations for safety in cinemas have in fact made them; and how many such authorities employ full-time officers to ensure that compliance is made with the regulations?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe principal regulations for securing the safety of the public in cinematograph theatres are those made by the Secretary of State under the Cinematograph Act, 1909. It is open to the local licensing authorities to supplement these regulations by special conditions inserted in the licences issued by them, and many authorities do so, though I cannot say how many. I cannot give the information asked for in the second part of the question but the usual practice is for local authorities in enforcing the safety regulations to employ officers such as police officers, officers of the fire brigade, surveyors, etc. who are not necessarily employed on these duties alone.