HC Deb 28 March 1917 vol 92 c442W
Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the cinema licensing authority of Leicester in retusing to grant a licence to women manageresses of cinemas for the period of the War; whether such a refusal is governed by Home Office regulations; and, if not, will steps be taken to issue a general instruction to cinema licensing authorities to grant such licences on application?

Sir G. CAVE

I have made inquiry and find that the licensing authority have granted licences to women in two cases, but have refused a licence in another case, where the house was of large size, and they were of opinion that it was essential that a man should be in control. The matter is entirely within the discretion of the licensing authority, and their decision in each instance must depend on the circumstances of the case.