§ Sir W. Jenkinsasked the Home Secretary (1), whether he is aware that the churches of Wales are united in their opposition to any interference with their rights and liberties in maintaining its Sunday observance; and will he consider excluding Wales from any orders which provide for the opening of cinemas, & on the Sabbath Day, in view of the fact that almost every Welsh man and woman is against his suggestion;
(2) will he take steps to ascertain the views of Wales on the opening of cinemas and places of amusement on Sunday; and will he receive a deputation of Welsh representatives before any action is taken?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am aware of the views of the churches in Wales on this matter, representations having been made to me on their behalf before the Defence Regulation in question was made and 35W account was taken of these representations in framing the regulation. It would not have been right to deny to local authorities in Wales the rights and liberties which the regulation confers on any locality where special considerations arise owing to war conditions. Under the regulation no cinema, theatre or music hall can be opened on Sunday in any area unless the local authority has decided expressly to apply to Parliament for its sanction for the purpose. The basic principle of the regulation being local option, I do not think it necessary to receive a deputation of Welsh representatives on the subject.