§ Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary the number of proceedings insti- 86W tuted, during the last 12 months, against cinema and theatre proprietors for not having sufficient attendants; and whether, with a view to securing public safety, he will consider the advisability of increasing the penalty in such case made and provided?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe information asked for in the first part of the hon. Member's question is not in the possession of the Home Office, but I have consulted the London County Council, and the licensing authorities in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield, and it appears that in only one case was it found necessary during the 12 months ending the 31st August to institute proceedings in respect of insufficient atendants being present at a place of entertainment. In this case, which occurred at Leeds, the proceedings were taken under Section 121 of the Children Act, 1908, and a £5 fine was imposed. The London County Council found it necessary during the same period to issue warnings in three cases where the staff present at cinematograph exhibitions was regarded as inadequate. As regards the last part of the hon. Member's question, I have received no representations that the penalty for this offence is inadequate.