§ 22 and 23. Mr. DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he proposes to introduce any amending legislation to the Cinematograph Films Act of 1927;
(2) whether, in view of the proposals which were laid before the Parliamentary Secretary to his Department for consideration by the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association on the subject of talking pictures, he can state if it is now intended to introduce any amending legislation to the Cinematograph Films Act to deal with these suggestions; and can he now make a statement upon this subject?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)I cannot add anything at present to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend and to my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Mr. Beckett) on 5th November.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me how it is possible to deal with the many anomalies that have been caused to the trade by this Act if legislation is not introduced forthwith?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI made it clear that we cannot promise legislation, but all the proposals can and should be submitted to the Advisory Committee under the Act.
§ Mr. DAYHas the resolution passed by the Advisory Committee, which dealt with talking machines and films, been acted upon, and has the right hon. Gentleman's Department given a decision?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI believe there were recommendations, but no specific proposals were made. I have made inquiries, and find that that is the position at the present time.