HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc927-8
27. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Home Secretary whether he will sanction the earlier opening of at least a proportion of cinemas and news theatres in London on Sundays, as a concession that would be appreciated by large numbers of members of the overseas forces who have no homes in this country and who come up to London on Saturday afternoons or evenings for 24 hours leave, provided that the conditions and working hours of the employés are properly safeguarded?

Sir J. Anderson

Under the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, it rests with the local cinematograph licensing authority, which for the Administrative County of London is the London County Council, to fix the hours at which cinematograph entertainments may begin on Sundays, and I have no power to interfere with their discretion in the matter.

Sir J. Lucas

Can the Minister point to a proper alternative on a Sunday, and is he aware that a wet Sunday afternoon requires some alternative, otherwise men have to walk about the streets?

Sir J. Anderson

There are alternatives on Sunday afternoons.

Mr. Sorensen

What are they?