§ 2.34 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider amending the law relating to the censorship of plays, in view of the fact that any member of the public can, on paying a subscription of a few shillings, see a banned play by joining one of the organisations which specialise in producing such plays for the theatre.]
§ LORD CHESHAMYes, my Lords, this matter is receiving consideration, but I must explain, that it presents difficult problems, and Her Majesty's Government are not at present in a position to propose legislation or to make any statement.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. May I ask him whether he is not aware that certain playwrights no doubt wish to have their plays banned by the Lord Chamberlain's Office because by so doing they are assured of packed houses at one of these so-called theatre clubs? Does the noble Lord not agree that this practice rather brings the law into disrepute? I should say that it makes a mockery of the law.
§ LORD CHESHAMYes, my Lords, I have heard that there is a tendency of the sort which my noble friend has mentioned, and I think that if it is a point of substance that would be one of the factors which would definitely he taken into consideration at the present time. If it is so, the fact that the law may be said to be brought into disrepute is, of course, a very good reason for the present consideration.
§ LORD WILMOT OF SELMESTONMy Lords, will the Government bear in mind that this picturesque survival of the past really serves no useful purpose at all
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I would not agree with that at all.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, would this not be an appropriate subject for a Select Committee, so that the whole question could be gone into fully and evidence heard from the various institutions?
§ TILE EARL OF SWINTONMy Lords, would it not be an appropriate subject for a little freedom of choice?
§ LORD CHESHAMI do not think that until the present consideration, which is an active one and not merely the normal turn of phrase, is completed, there will be much ground for appointing a further investigation.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, what exact body is carrying on this active consideration?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy right honourable friend the Home Secretary.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEOh, yes.