HC Deb 25 October 1946 vol 428 cc207-8

Resolved: That the Order made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, extending Section 1 of the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, to the Borough of Chesterfield, a copy of which Order was presented on 18th October, be approved.

Resolved: That the Order made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, extending Section r of the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, to the County Borough of Great Yarmouth, a copy of which Order was presented on 18th October, be approved."— [Mr. Oliver.]

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Order made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, extending Section r of the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, to the Borough of Daventry, a copy of which Order was presented on 18th October, be approved. "—[Mr. Oliver.]

1.54 p.m.

Mr. Walker (Rossendale)

I would like to ask a question on this matter. I take it that, in each of these cases, there has been an appeal to the people in these communities for their approval to the opening of these cinemas. I think that is required according to the Act. I am looking on the cinemas as an industry and as constituting a large commercialised concern, and, while there may be a demand on the part of the general public for some kind of entertainment on Sunday evening, I still think that the interest displayed by the industry itself in these matters, and the active part taken in influencing public opinion on the question whether cinemas should be open or not, shows that they are intensely interested in the amount of money which they are going to make as a result of opening—

Mr. Deputy-Speaker (Sir Robert Young)

Is the hon. Gentleman applying his remarks to the case of Daventry alone, because he cannot go beyond the case of Daventry?

Mr. Walker

That is the last one?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

I am asking the hon. Gentleman if he is applying his remarks to Daventry, because he cannot discuss the others.

Mr. Walker

I am sorry, but I was under a misapprehension. I waited until the last Question was put under the impression that I might raise the whole matter, but, as that is not so, I do not propose to say anything further at this stage.

Question put, and agreed to.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Captain Michael Stewart.]