§ Mr. ROWNTREEasked the President of the Local Government Board whether any application has been made to him from any city where the influenza is prevalent for temporary closure of the cinemas; if so, what reply has he made; and whether it is a fact that he has power to make an epidemic regulation for such closure under the Public Health Act, 1875, in case of formidable epidemic disease, such as influenza?
§ Mr. S. WALSHApplication has been made by one or two local authorities for powers to close cinemas temporarily. The Board have replied that, in the2566W first place, the local authority should endeavour to get the cinemas closed by agreement with the proprietors, where the medical officer of health advises that it is desirable that such places should be closed. They have also given general advice by circular that arrangements should be made with cinema proprietors for longer intervals between performances and for the hall to be thoroughly flushed with fresh air in the intervals, and that the licensing authorities should be asked to make representations to the proprietors on this subject, if necessary. Such arrangements have been made in some cases. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.