46. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of recent events, he will consider the advisability of appointing some Government Department to be responsible for the censoring of films?
§ 47. Mr. DIXEYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the position and importance of the film censorship, he will consider the introduction of a Bill to set up an official body to so act responsible to the Government, or alternatively, delegate such duties to the Lord Chamberlain?
48. Sir WILLIAM LANE MITCHELLasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to take the power of censoring films out of the hands of the London County Council and local authorities in the country, and to appoint instead a permanent official censorship?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for HOME AFFAIRS (Sir Vivian Henderson)My right hon. Friend the Home 19 Secretary, who has been asked to reply to this and the two following questions, is unfortunately absent from London fulfilling an important public engagement. I shall be much obliged if these questions could be postponed until Thursday, when the Home Secretary will be glad to deal with them.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman impress upon the Home Secretary the great damage that may be done to this important industry, if films are to be banned without any opportunity of bringing the matter before this House?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONI shall be glad to inform the Home Secretary of the hon. and gallant Member's question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that when the Cinematograph Films Act was going through this House we pressed the President of the Board of Trade to take some powers, and he refused, on behalf of the Government, to do so?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI certainly did not press the matter.
§ Mr. DAYHad the action taken lately with regard to the film "Dawn" the concurrence of the Government as a whole, or was it taken by one Minister in his individual capacity?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere is another question on the Paper dealing with that point.