§ 8. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the difficulties confronting cinema proprietors who provide more than the minimum number of exits required by law for child audiences; and whether he will introduce amending legislation.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)My right hon. Friend has seen a report of the case which I think the hon. Member has in mind. The matter appears to be one for consideration in the first instance by the local licensing authority.
§ Mr. JannerIs not the hon. Lady aware that it is an absurd position at present; that if a cinema—as in the case of the Belgrave Cinema in Leicester—has more than the minimum number of exits required, the proprietors are compelled to have an attendant at every door? Is she aware that the authorities responsible for fire precautions are asking that cinemas should have many more exits? Is not it just a capricious and silly thing for a prosecution to be conducted against these people when there are sufficient exits from 649 the cinema, and more attendants there than are required by law, and to attack them because they have additional exits at this cinema for the purpose of safety?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe hon. Member will be aware that there are two sets of regulations involved, which complicates the issue. The regulations for the welfare of children in cinemas require the number of attendants to be not less than the number of exits. I understand that the number of exits in this cinema is six. The regulations of the Secretary of State for safety in cinemas would have required a minimum of three. I understand that the licensee is asking the local authority to go into the matter with a view to relaxing the conditions and my right hon. Friend would prefer to await the outcome of this application before further action is taken.
§ Mr. JannerIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.