§ 59. Major OWENasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is growing dissatisfaction with the practice of local authorities in making use of the notice boards of places of worship for the announcement of public notices; and whether he will circularise all local authorities asking them to desist from this practice and to provide their own notice boards in more suitable places for the information of the public?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend has received one complaint but is not aware of any growing dissatisfaction. The standard provision on this subject is contained in Section 287 of the Local Government Act, 1933, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Except in the case of parish councils and parish meetings, the section imposes no obligation to post notices on or near church and chapel doors. My right hon. Friend thinks that local authorities are well 1596 aware of this provision, and sees at present no occasion for the issue of any circular in the matter.
§ Major OWENIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that in many cases damage has been caused by officials of local authorities climbing over railings and putting up notices which are quite unsuitable to be posted on places of worship?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI think that had better be left to local opinion.
§ Major OWENHave not representations been received already from several presbyteries in North Wales?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEARENo, Sir.