HC Deb 30 April 1925 vol 183 cc313-4
20. Captain ARTHUR EVANS

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that the present British Board of Film Censors has no responsibility to any authority other than the members of the industry, and in view of the number of foreign films shown in this country since the War the subject-matter of which is detrimental to the best interests of public morals, safety, and good order, lie will consider the desirability of setting up a Censorship Board responsible to his Department?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have had no complaints showing that the present system of censorship fails to secure, on the whole, an adequate standard, or that there is any general demand for a change; and, in these circumstances, I cannot take action as suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Captain EVANS

Is it not the case that the whole question of the manufacture and presentation of films in this country is being considered by a Government Departmental Committee, and, if that be so, would the right hon. Baronet see that this suggestion, and the question of the importation of films generally, is considered by that Committee?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I do not think it is a Committee that I have' appointed.

Captain EVANS

Was not a statement to that effect made in another place only yesterday, the Department being, I think, the Board of Trade?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question. I have not yet had an opportunity of reading the Debates in the other House.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Is not the question whether films are detrimental to public morals a question for the Home Office?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

As I have said, I have not had any complaints. I have not time to go to see these films myself, but if any complaints are sent to me I will go into them.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I am not complaining at all, but it is in the question of the hon. and gallant Member.

Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

Is not this a matter for the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. T. P. O'Connor)?

Captain GARRO-JONES

Does not the question of foreign propaganda come within the purview of the right hon. Baronet's Department?