§ Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning why he will not allow the Empire Theatre of Varieties, West Ham, to repair their theatre that was damaged by enemy action, as there are no music and variety halls in that county borough?
§ Mr. HicksThe Empire Theatre of Varieties, Stratford, was extensively damaged by enemy action in October, 1940, and has been shored up and closed since then. The restoration of the theatre would involve an expenditure of about £20,000 and I regret that in view of the urgent need of man power and materials for essential Government work, it is not possible at present to sanction their use on rebuilding the theatre. I understand that facilities for entertainment of the type that was provided by this theatre are available in neighbouring districts.