§ 26. Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the amount of money paid under Statute by cinemas opening on Sundays to charity; and what steps he is taking to repeal this legislation.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe annual amount paid to charity under the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, is estimated to be about £400,000. Her Majesty's Government have no present intention of introducing legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes not my right hon. and gallant Friend think that the whole principle behind this is disagreeable? In view of the fact that the need for charity has diminished considerably since the 1930s and that the position of the exhibitors has materially deteriorated, does he not think that some change is needed?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI am sure my hon. Friend will agree that it would be a little awkward if we had to introduce legislation on every occasion in which circumstances changed. It would be extremely difficult. I am sure my hon. Friend also appreciates that any legislation of this kind would be extremely controversial.