HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 cc1674-5
31. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of further action recently taken in Worcester and other towns that has resulted in the cancellation of Sunday entertainments for the troops; how many similar actions this year have been reported to him; and under what circumstances and what kind of proof he needs before further consideration is given to the question of securing the abolition or suspension of restrictions on Sunday entertainments where there is a recognised public demand and need?

Mr. H. Morrison

I have seen reports this month of five instances (including the one referred to by my hon. Friend) in which Sunday entertainments had to be cancelled. There may have been others. As my hon. Friend knows, my own proposals for dealing with this controversial matter were rejected by this House, and the House having taken that decision it would not be right for me to attempt to reopen the question unless I were assured that the House wished to reconsider its decision.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply more specifically to the latter part of the Question, where I ask him what proof he needs that the opinion of this House has changed; and is he aware that there is a strong body of opinion in the country in favour of these Sunday entertainments?

Mr. Morrison

It is difficult to be precise, but I should want firm evidence that there was an absolute and clear majority in the House wishing for a change and that none of these hon. Members would get into the wrong Lobby under pressure at the last minute.

Mr. Sorensen

How are we to find out exactly whether the opinion of this House has changed? Is it not possible for this House to indicate in some way that its past folly has now been cleared away?

Mr. Holdsworth

Not a bit.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.