HC Deb 30 May 1927 vol 207 cc5-6
10. Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the notice of the Governments of our tropical Colonies or Protectorates has been drawn to the need for a stricter degree of censorship of films; and, if so, will he state in which of the Colonies or Protectorates, if any, an independent board of film censors has been appointed?

Mr. AMERY

I have recently addressed a despatch to Governors reminding them of the importance of exercising the censorship powers which the law confers on most Colonial Governments. I am not aware that there exists in any Dependency a board of censors independent of the administrative authorities, although in many of the Colonies and Protectorates censorship boards have been set up to which unofficial members are appointed.

Colonel DAY

Have any of these authorities banned any films?

Mr. AMERY

Oh, yes, a certain number of films have been banned.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the names of any of these films?

Mr. AMERY

I think I should have notice of that question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why people in the Colonies should suffer from the censorship?