38. Colonel HOWARO-BURYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act against blind and block booking are constantly being evaded; and whether he is taking steps to stop this practice?
42. Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the so-called gooiwill agreements which are being entered into with foreign film producers by cinema proprietors in this country as a means of evading the provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act; and whether it is proposed to take any proceedings to stop such arrangements?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. H. Williams)Allegations in general terms have reached me concerning infringements of Part I of the Act. Any person becoming a party to such an infringement is liable to prosecution, and proceedings will be instituted in any suitable case in which the necessary evidence is forthcoming.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI think up to now the necessary evidence has not been forthcoming.
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is an immense lot of infringement of the Films Act and will the Department keep their eyes well open with a view to bringing to account some of these people?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI can assure my hon. Friend that we do keep all our eyes very wide open.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a horse and cart can be driven through this Act by means of goodwill and the so-called "gentlemen's agreements."
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI cannot agree with that suggestion, but if my hon. and gallant Friend thinks so, it is rather a pity that he did not put down an appropriate Amendment when the matter was under discussion in Committee?
§ Mr. DAYIf the hon. Gentleman finds any infringements are going on will he take steps to deal with them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise.