Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will bring into force the provision contained in the Easter Act 1928 to fix the date of Easter; and if he will make a statement.

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills does not intend to bring the Easter Act 1928 into force in the near future. The Easter Act 1928 would set the date for Easter to fall on a Sunday between 9 and 15 April each year. The Easter Act 1928 remains on the Statute Book, but has not been brought into force. To do so would require an Order in Council, with the approval of both Houses of Parliament. The Act also requires that, before the Order is made, "regard shall be had to any opinion officially expressed by any Church or other Christian Body." There is no indication that the Churches are keen to move to a date for Easter fixed in accordance with the Easter Act 1928.