§ 20. Mr. St. John-Stevasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to abolish the theatrical jurisdiction of the Lord Chamberlain as recommended by the Joint Select Committee of both Houses of Parliament.
§ Mr. CallaghanMy right hon. Friend the Member for Vauxhall (Mr. Strauss) has just presented a Bill for that purpose.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIn view of the unanimity of the Joint Select Committee and the comparatively low place in the Ballot of the right hon. Member for Vauxhall (Mr. Strauss), not to mention the unfortunate precedent of the recent legislation on abortion, would it not be best for the Government to shoulder their responsibilities in this matter and introduce a Bill themselves?
§ Mr. CallaghanNo, Sir. All that presupposes a great many hypothetical questions, none of which has yet arisen.