§ 26. Mr. Denvilleasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a western county council gave permission for cinemas in seven towns to be open at five o'clock on Sundays; and will he give the authority under which they imposed the condition that soldiers' women-folk were not admitted with them?
§ Sir J. AndersonUnder the provisions of the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, a licensing authority which is empowered to allow the opening of cinemas on Sunday may impose such conditions as it thinks fit. I have no power to interfere with the discretion of the local authority but I am making inquiry about the matter referred to in the question.
§ Mr. DenvilleIs it not the meaning of the Act that reasonable conditions should be imposed; but is it a reasonable condition to say that a soldier can go but he cannot take his wife?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have no power to give an authoritative ruling in the matter, but I am making inquiries.
§ Mr. EdeIf the right hon. Gentleman finds that the facts in the question are substantially correct, will he suggest that it is a wholly improper condition to attach?
§ Sir J. AndersonI will consider the matter in the light of the facts.