§ 2. Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the growth of the bogus cinema training schools, in which members of the public are defrauded by fraudulent promises made to them by persons who have no knowledge of the cinema industry, he will state what action is being taken by his department to inquire into the whole question?
§ Captain KINGMy right hon. Friend has made some inquiry, and cannot find that there has been any growth in the number of such schools, rather the contrary; or that there are any grounds in the particular case of which the hon. Member has sent information for action on the part of the Home Office. According to the Home Office information, there are only two or three schools in London, and these come within the control of the London County Council as employment agencies. Cases of deliberate fraud can be and have been dealt with by the police under the general law.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these schools do not offer inducements for employment, but only receive money For teaching for fraudulent positions which they cannot obtain for the applicants?
§ Captain KINGThe information I have given is perfectly correct.
§ Colonel DAYIs the Financial Secretary aware that seven schools have been opened in the last few weeks, and that I have sent particulars of one to the Home Secretary in the last two or three days.
§ Captain KINGI think the hon. Member has sent particulars of one specific case, and it has been fully inquired into.
§ Colonel DAYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman look at the correspondence, because there are several schools mentioned in it?
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLHas the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend been called to certain bogus political schools, and will he draw public attention to them?