HC Deb 20 December 1934 vol 296 c1305
14. Mr. MABANE

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to say that any answer has been received by the League of Nations to the communication addressed by them to religious bodies with the object of securing general agreement on the subject of a fixed date for Easter; and whether, in default of such general agreement being reached, he is prepared to appoint a day for bringing into operation the Fixed Easter Act?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Government, after careful and sympathetic consideration of the matter in all its aspects, have decided, in view of the difficulty of securing international agreement, to take no further action at the present time to bring into operation the Easter Act, 1928.

Mr. MABANE

If the answer to the first part of the question is "Yes," will my right hon. Friend say what was the nature of the answer received by the League of Nations?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I understand that the result of the inquiry made under the auspices of the League of Nations can be purchased, if the hon. Member cares to do so.

Mr. BUCHANAN

That is a proper Scotsman's answer.