5 FEBRUARY 1943, Page 14

SUNDAY THEATRES

SIR,—Mr. St. J. Ervine asks how the demand for Sunday cinemas became known in the absence of any organised demand? Does he really think that commercial interests only supply expressed demands? And if he so thinks, does he expect others to think alike and so simply? Supply does not inexorably follow demand. The reverse is as common, namely, that supply creates demand. The shrewd gentlemen who run the theatres know this. If they would only admit it openly instead of banging the cultural and pro bono publico drums so loudly, they would probably get more sympathy. Suspicion of motive is apt to make the British public

antipathetic.—Yours truly, J. G. JAMES. Handel Close, Canon Park, London, N.W. rr.