§ 3.8 p.m.
§ LORD WILLISMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered the amendment of the existing laws to allow for the Sunday opening of the legitimate theatres.]
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, the general body of Sunday observance laws in England and Wales, including those relating to the Sunday opening of theatres, is under consideration by a Departmental Committee of Inquiry 1327 under the chairmanship of Lord Crathorne. The Committee's Report is expected to be published later this year.
§ LORD WILLISMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. May I ask further whether they are giving urgent consideration to this particular aspect, and is the noble Lord aware that there is a strong feeling in the theatre about this? Recently the actors' trade union, Equity, had a vote, and two to one of their members were in favour of some change along this line. Is the noble Lord aware that there is pretty strong support for some change in this rather archaic law, which would bring the theatre into line with "pop" concerts, television, and so on? Moreover, is the noble Lord aware that progress has been held up so far, not by the general body of Christian feeling in this country, but by a handful of bigots?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, the Committee are perfectly aware of all those views, and perhaps I might further add that they have taken into account all the evidence concerning Sunday opening. They have finished taking evidence, and are preparing their Report, which we expect in late summer or early autumn.
§ VISCOUNT BRENTFORDMy Lords, would my noble friend also take into account the fact that outside the theatre there is a very great body of opinion which would be extremely offended by any further relaxation of the method of Sunday opening?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, I am quite aware of that, and that is one of the matters the Committee have taken into account.