§ 1. Mr. DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of complaints he has received from various sources making allegations concerning the infringement of Part I of the Cinematograph Films Act; can he say whether these various complaints have been investigated; and what action his Department has taken?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)The hon. Member may rest assured that I am watching the position carefully, and shall take such action as may be possible and useful.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these complaints have been placed before the Advisory Committee?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Advisory Committee consider the general position, but, when it comes to the question whether there is evidence for prosecution, obviously that must be considered by the Legal Department.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, they have not. The Act lays down certain
| Period. | Thousands of Barrels. | |||
| Commercial Crop. | Total Exports. | Exports to United Kingdom. | ||
| Year, 1923 | … | 35,936 | ||
| July, 1923, to June, 1924 | … | 4,098 | 2,955 | |
| Year, 1924 | … | 28,013 | ||
| July, 1924, to June, 1925 | … | 3,201 | 2,373 | |
| Year, 1925 | … | 33,246 | ||
| July, 1925, to June, 1926 | … | 3,672 | 2,383 | |
| Year, 1926 | … | 39,095* | ||
| July, 1926, to June, 1927 | … | 7,097 | Not yet available. | |
| * Preliminary estimate. |
§ provisions, and, if these provisions are infringed and there is sufficient evidence to justify a prosecution, then a prosecution will take place. That is a legal question.