HC Deb 16 December 1927 vol 211 cc2697-8

Lords Amendment: In page 16, line 43, at the end, insert the words: but it shall be lawful for the Board of Trade to relax this requirement in any case where they are satisfied that the maker had taken all reasonable steps to secure compliance with the requirement, and that his failure to comply therewith was occasioned by exceptional circumstances beyond his control, but so that such power of relaxation shall not permit of the percentage aforesaid being less than seventy per cent.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

1.0 p.m.

I ought to explain that when an Amendment for the same purpose was moved in this House on Report the purpose was agreed to but the form in which it was moved was not agreed to. I gave an undertaking that the words would be reconsidered favourably if put in a very strict form which showed that there could be no general relaxation and relaxation only under very strict conditions. This Amendment complies with that arrangement.

Colonel DAY

This Amendment reduces more or less the amount of money that has to be spent on British labour in the making of British films. My opinion is that it leaves a loophole for Continental or American labour to be brought in, whether films are made here or elsewhere.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

I cannot help agreeing with the hon. Member who has just spoken. I regret that this relaxation has been permitted, and that there is now a possibility of less emolument for British labour.

Question put, and agreed to.

Remaining Lords Amendments agreed to.