HC Deb 19 April 1923 vol 162 cc2253-4
77. Mr. SEXTON

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that cinema films depicting assaults by French military officers on German citizens in occupied German territory, by knocking off their hats and kicking them along the public streets during the passage of French troops, have been suppressed in this country by his Deparmtent; and, if so, for what reason was the instruction given to suppress them?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Nothing has been heard of these films at the Home Office. The second part does not therefore arise.

Mr. SEXTON

Is it not. a fact that part of these pictures are now in London and are being exhibited?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I thought the hon. Member's contention was that they had been prohibited, and yet he says that they are being exhibited somewhere.

Mr. McENTEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these films have been exhibited, or at any rate partly exhibited, and stopped suddenly in the middle, and when an explanation was asked for it was stated that they were put on by mistake?

Mr. HANNON

Is this not a very subtle form of German propaganda?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I do not know anything about these pictures. I can only repeat what I have already said, namely, that whether they are going on as the hon. Member says, or whether they have been stopped, the Home Office has nothing to do with them.