§ 39. Mr. John Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to control the use of hypnotism as a form of public entertainment.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI have no power to control such performances.
§ Mr. RodgersIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the public disquiet on this subject, and that several young people have had to spend periods in hospital as a result of the practice of hypnotism on the stage? Could he look into this matter and see if the public could be protected?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI will certainly look into anything that my hon. Friend can put before me. I am not satisfied at the moment that it is desirable to have legislation and I must say, as the House will realise, that it would be impossible to find time for legislation during this Session.
§ Dr. Barnett StrossBut is the Home Secretary not aware that a Private Bill is attempting to bring forward legislation in a very narrow field, and in view of what he has heard and knows himself in his Department, will he not assure the House that he will give every possible assistance to providing legislation of this kind?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am prepared to consider it, but I cannot go further than that.