HC Deb 11 July 1910 vol 19 cc19-20
Sir HOWELL DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has power to prohibit photographs of the recent prize fight in America being exhibited at cinematograph shows in this country; and, if so, will he, in the interest of public decency, exercise his power of prohibition?

Sir FRANCIS CHANNING

asked the Home Secretary whether he would take steps, or recommend to local authorities to take steps, to prevent the exhibition of cinematograph pictures of the recent prize fight in America?

The HOME SECRETARY (Mr. Churchill)

I am advised that I have no powers in this matter.

Mr. W. THORNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that, in connection with the talk which has been going on all the last week with regard to this prize fight, if Jeffries had knocked out Johnson there would have been so much of this slobber talk at the present time?

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider the question of the Chamber of Horrors at Madame Tussaud's and the exhibition of certain pictures by Doré, having regard to their moral effect upon the minds of children of certain Members of this House and other people?

Mr. CLOUGH

Have the local benches in the provinces any discretionary power to suppress these exhibitions?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.