HC Deb 08 November 1950 vol 480 cc935-6
47. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Lord President of the Council to what extent he has agreed to restrict the intended activities of the Festival of Britain on Sundays as a result of the representations of the Sunday Observance Society.

48. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Lord President of the Council whether it is intended that the Festival of Britain shall be open to the public on Sundays.

Mr. H. Morrison

I hope to be in a position to make a statement to the House on this subject shortly.

Mr. Shepherd

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether his intention to open this exhibition on Sunday has been interfered with by the Sunday Observance Society, and will he let us know exactly what has happened?

Mr. Morrison

We have in connection with the Festival of Britain a religious advisory committee representing all the denominations, and in due course I will report to the House what has been their advice, which must obviously be taken into account with the greatest seriousness. The Lord's Day Observance Society is quite another matter. They are somewhat in the nature of a pressure group which it is for hon. Members to estimate according to their personal opinions.

Mr. Marlowe

Quite apart from the activities of this society, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is considerable uneasiness among a large section of the population as to whether in particular any amusement park should be open on Sundays? Will he also inform the House of his intentions at the earliest possible moment, as many of us wish to inform our constituents of his intentions?

Mr. Morrison

I appreciate that Members are receiving a large amount of correspondence, which I think is inspired by the Lord's Day Observance Society. On the other hand, I quite agree that it will be for the general convenience of the House to know the intentions of the Government at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Before my right hon. Friend comes to a final decision on this matter will he bear in mind that there are thousands of people in the North of England particularly, who are now working six whole days per week, and that they also desire to see the Festival of Britain?

Mr. Morrison

Of course, that is one of the factors that has to be weighed.

Several Hon. Members rose

Mr. Speaker

The Lord President of the Council said that he would make a statement. Surely, the obvious thing is to await that statement and then ask questions.

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