§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that many public baths and washhouses are conducted at a yearly loss to the ratepayers; that in order to minimise this loss borough councils have endeavoured, with 279W success, to turn swimming baths to other uses during the winter months; that a recent case has revealed unforeseen legal limitations on the power of local authorities to do this; and, with a view to reducing the burdens on ratepayers, will he consider the desirability of introducing a short measure amending the law relating to public baths and washhouses, so as to permit local authorities to let public baths for continuous use during the winter season for such things as cinematograph shows, which were not contemplated when the principal Baths and Washhouses Acts were enacted, and other similar entertainments, and to allow money to be taken at the door?
§ Mr. LONGI am aware of the practice of local authorities in this matter and of the decision in the case referred to. I could not, however, undertake to propose legislation on the subject at the present time.