HC Deb 21 June 1978 vol 952 cc204-5W
Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals or organisations have sought advice from his Department about the legality of events planned for the next New Year's Eve; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Fifteen letters—including 10 from Members of this House—and a few telephone inquiries have been received about dancing on New Year's Eve 1978. Inquirers have been told that the Sunday Observance Act 1780 prohibits dancing on a Sunday but that the prohibition does not apply where the public are admitted without charge or where admission is restricted to members of a bona fide club.

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has issued to chief constables concerning the enforcement of the Sunday Observance Act 1780 in respect of social functions to be held on New Year's Eve.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I have issued no advice on the particular point to which my hon. Friend refers. The Home Office consolidated circular to the police on crime and kindred matters, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House, draws attention to the statement by the then Attorney-General in the House in May 1951 in which he said that he assumed that chief officers of police would take the view that proceedings in cases arising from the Sunday Observance Act could best be brought by private persons rather than by the police.