HC Deb 10 March 1938 vol 332 c2094
33. Mr. Mabane

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now prepared to recommend to His Majesty in Council a date on which the Easter Act, 1928, shall come into operation?

Sir S. Hoare

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my predecessor to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall (Mr. Leckie) on 8th April last.

Mr. Mabane

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Easter this year is three weeks later, and that that has a very serious effect on the spring trade and damages all business throughout the country?

Sir S. Hoare

That does not alter the political condition, namely, that we cannot bring the Act into force until the religious communities are agreed.

Mr. Mabane

Has any further progress been made with the League of Nations Committee?

Sir S. Hoare

There is still disagreement among the religious communities.

Viscountess Astor

Will my right hon. Friend not take the advice of the dominant religious community in this country?

Sir S. Hoare

I should hesitate to say which was the most important religious denomination.

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