HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1300-1
80. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the Home Secretary whether he will appoint a Committee of Inquiry into the moral and physical effect of cinema shows, as to which doubts are entertained by those interested in the welfare of the young and which are increasing at an alarming rate?

Mr. BRACE

I do not think it is necessary at the present time to appoint a Committee to inquire into the matter. A great deal of attention is being given to the subject by the local authorities, with whom the power of control under the Cinematograph Act rests, and it is also being carefully watched by the Home Office.

Sir H. CRAIK

May I ask whether the self-constituted Commission now acting has any legal right to the name or any authority to bear it?

Mr. BRACE

No body has any right to call itself a Commission. That right ought to be reserved to bodies appointed by the Sovereign or by Statute.

Mr. HOGGE

Will my hon. Friend, therefore, at once look into the establishment of what is known as the "Tariff Reform Commission"?

Mr. BRACE

I will ask my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to inquire into it.