Commons Bar Sunday Theatres

Northern Advocate, 2 April 1941, Page 6

Commons Bar Sunday Theatres

(Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 1

The country-wide controversy over Sunday entertainment ended in the House of Commons when the Order-in-Council granting permission for the Sunday opening of legitimate theatres was annulled by 144 votes to 136. Members were given freedom to vote according to their consciences. Therefore it is not regarded as a Government defeat.

“I represent more Anglican clergymen than any other member,” said Mr. A. P. Herbert (Ind., Oxford University), “but I did not receive a single pi'otest against Sunday opening.” “Reversion to Puritanism.” Mr. A. S. Baxter (Conservative, Woodgreen), said that opposition to Sunday opening savours of a reversion to the puritanism which killed the art, suppressed the spirit and filially produced revolution. Sir F. E. Fremantle (Conservative, St. Albans) expressed the opinion that the nation’s health demanded Sunday observance. He added: “There is a real danger in jazzifying Sunday.” Playing Hitler’s Game. Mr. J. F. Crowder (Conservative, Finchley) 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, Home Secretary, said: “The violent opposition to this order in council comes from the minority, not the majority of the people. “The Government, in making the order, did not lightly disregard the deep and sincere convictions of the people. Members opposing Sunday entertainments should think again.

“Now we are under war conditions. People will presently be working under strain, and it is vital that they should be kept happy and cheerful.”