HC Deb 19 March 1942 vol 378 cc1690-1W
Colonel Macnamara

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are still local authorities in Britain and Northern Ireland who do not allow the opening of Sunday cinemas; that it means that thousands of British and American soldiers, sailors and airmen have nowhere to go on a Sunday; and whether he will take steps to order cinemas to open in the wider interests of the troops temporarily inhabiting such localities?

Mr. H. Morrison

Yes, I am aware of the facts stated in the first two parts of this Question; but as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, this is a subject on which there is an acute difference of opinion in some areas and Parliament decided in 1932 that the matter must be determined by local public opinion. Many local authorities on the recommendation of the competent naval, military or air force authority have decided to take advantage of the simplified procedure for Sunday opening provided by Defence Regulation 42B. No less than 223 Orders submitted in pursuance of that Regulation have been approved by Parliament. Greatly as I appreciate the need for giving adequate opportunities for recreation to His Majesty's Forces, I do not think it would be desirable to attempt to override local opinion as regards Sunday opening. Sunday opening in Scotland is a matter for my right hon. colleague the Secretary of State for Scotland, and in Northern Ireland for the Government of Northern Ireland.

Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Home Secretary why he made an Order, under Regulation 42B, for opening places of entertainment in Bridgend, in view of the fact that the Bridgend, Glamorgan, Urban District Council approached the competent military authority instigating him to request the council to make representations for the making of such an Order?

Mr. H. Morrison

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Mr. E. Williams).