§ 24. Colonel ROPNERasked the Home Secretary whether he will now take legislative action to prohibit public exhibitions of all-in wrestling such as that recently organised at Hull in which women were to be the contestants?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am much obliged to my hon. Friend for calling attention to this matter. In my view public exhibitions of what is called "all-in" wrestling between women are open to the strongest objection. I am making inquiry and will consider what action can appropriately be taken, but I understand that the contest at Hull has now been abandoned.
§ 30. Mr. PIKEasked the Home Secretary if his investigations into all-in wrestling exhibitions are yet concluded; whether he is aware that women participants are now advertised to exhibit in Hull; and if he can assure the House that steps are being taken to render these displays illegal?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy enquiries are not yet completed. I understand that the exhibition advertised to take place at Hull has been abandoned by the promoters. I am not yet in a position to say whether legislation is necessary but I can assure the House that I am giving the matter very careful attention.
§ Mr. PIKEIn view of the public indignation at these revolting displays, will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he is hastening his decision?
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not the fact that this form of wrestling is a form of physical development; that, eventually, these women might become members of the police forces of various boroughs and be able to deal with the kind of brutes who have to be dealt with from time to time?
Viscountess ASTORDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that if women want to wrestle they have just as much right to wrestle as anybody else?
§ Sir J. NALLAnd would he agree that, if they desired to have a drink afterwards, they should also have a right to that?
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman see that if they have a drink it is within the prescribed hours?