SUNDAY THEATRES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 78, 2 April 1941, Page 10

SUNDAY THEATRES

PERMISSIVE ORDER

ANNULLED

REMARKABLE DEBATE

(Received April 2, 2 p.m.)

LONDON, April 1

A widespread controversy over Sun« day entertainments reached a climax in the House of Commons when an Order-in-Council permitting the Sunday opening of legitimate theatres was annulled by 144 votes to 136. Members of the House were given freedom to ,vote according to conscience, so that the vote cannot be regarded as a Government defeat.

Mr. A. P. Herbert said: "I represent more Anglican clergymen than any other member, but I have not received a single protest against Sunday opening." Mr. Beverley Baxter (Conservative) said that opposition to Sunday opening "savours of the reversion to Puritanism which killed the arts, suppressed (the spirit, and finally produced revolution."

Sir F. E. Fpemantle (Conservative) said that the nation's health demand' ed Sunday observance, and added: "There is real danger in 'jazzifying* Sunday."

Mr. J. F. E. Crowder said: "Don't let us do anything by assenting to this order which will enable us to destroy our own souls. Hitler is trying to break the traditions of Christian liberty. Don't let us help him."

Mr. Herbert Morrison said: "The violent opposition to this Order-in-Council comes from a minority, not a majority of the people. The Government, in making the order, did not lightly disregard the deep and sincere convictions of the people. Members who are opposing Sunday entertainments should think again now we are under war conditions. People are at present working under a strain, and it is therefore vital that they should be kept happy and cheerful. *