HC Deb 15 November 1939 vol 353 cc726-7W
Mr. Salt

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the need for relaxation from the industrial stress endured by so many Birmingham workers, he will permit the Birmingham Football Club to recommence their matches, and consider whether it will be necessary to restrict the number of spectators?

Mr. Mabane

Under the Public Entertainments Order, a chief officer of police is empowered to prohibit the use of any premises in his district for the purpose of an entertainment to which the public are admitted on payment, if in his view opening would be attended by undue risk. My right hon. Friend understands that the Chief Constable has exercised this power in respect of the Birmingham football ground, as he regards the situation of the ground as particularly vulnerable in the case of air attack. My right hon. Friend does not feel able to intervene with the chief officer in this case.