§ 6. Captain. CUNNINGHAM - REIDasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a recent prosecution in the North of England under Section 9 of the Theatres Act, 1843, when, a, minor breach of the regulations having been proved, the theatre concerned was ordered to be closed for one day, no lesser penalty being available under the Act; and whether, in 233 view of the changed conditions of theatrical production since 1843 and the importance of the employment factor, he will consider the introduction of legislation to amend Section 9 of the Act so as to allow of the imposition of a pecuniary penalty as an alternative to the closure of a theatre?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy attention has not been called to this case. I have taken note of the point, and it will be borne in mind, but I regret that I see no possibility of early legislation.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDWas not Section 13 of this Act amended in similar circumstances in 1925?