§ 11. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there has recently been a large increase in juvenile crime; if so, whether his official information shows that this increase is in any measure attributable to the films exhibited in picture theatres; and, if so, whether the Government propose to take any steps to establish a censorship of such films?
Mr. SAMUELFrom information obtained from the principal towns it appears that there has been a considerable increase in juvenile offences during the past year, and it is generally believed that one of the causes is to be found in the character of some of the films shown at cinematograph theatres. The subject is receiving my close attention, but I am not in a position to make any statement at present.