§ 38. Sir J. POWERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the State of Victoria has passed legislation making compulsory the exhibition of British films at every cinema in Victoria; and whether, in view of the importance of this form of educational publicity, the Government is considering any action to provide for the exhibition of Empire films in Great Britain?
Mr. SAMUELI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on this subject on the 2nd December, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Colonel DAYMay I ask whether these films have to come before the technical adviser before being passed?
Mr. SAMUELI could not reply to that off-hand, but shall be very glad to do so if the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he informed me the other day that no such legislation had been passed in Australia, and that as a matter of fact the State of Australia has passed legislation requiring 10 per cent. of the films exhibited to be of British origin; 21 and will he make more accurate inquiries another time as to the practice of our Dominions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member seems to be giving information.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNCan the hon. Gentleman see that only books by British authors are permitted to be circulated?