HC Deb 29 June 1926 vol 197 cc978-9
35. Sir COOPER RAWSON

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to prevent the importation of undesirable foreign films, he will consider the appointment of an independent Board of Censors to act on behalf of the general public in this country?

Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON (Comptroller of the Household)

The Home Secretary, to whom this question has been referred, asks me to say that he fears he can only repeat the answer given to a similar question last year, namely, that he has received no complaints which go to show that an adequate standard is not, on the whole, being maintained under the present system and that he cannot therefore take action as suggested.

Sir C. RAWSON

In view of the fact that several films which are, in the opinion of the general public, undesirable, have been introduced into this country during the last twelve months, will the hon. Member go into the matter again if I send him particulars?

Sir H. BARNSTON

My right hon. Friend will be glad to receive any information.

Colonel DAY

Is it a fact that the British Censor is thoroughly efficient.

37. Sir C. RAWSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums accrued to the revenue in the last financial year from the duty on imported foreign films and from the cinema Entertainments Duty, respectively; and whether he will consider the possibility of encouraging the British cinema industry by repealing the Entertainments Dory and increasing the duty on imported foreign films?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)

The net revenue from imported cinematograph films in 1925–26 was £103,365, of which all but £622 was derived from foreign films. Particulars of the yield of the Entertain-merits Duty paid in respect of different kinds of entertainments are not available. The suggestions in the last part of the question have been noted.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that it is not a fact that without these very fine foreign films the Entertainments Duty would suffer, through the audiences not. responding so freely?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The hon. Member can draw the inference as well as anyone.