HC Deb 04 February 1930 vol 234 cc1668-9
44. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to protect the English language as spoken by the people of this country, he will take steps to limit the import of American talking films and to encourage the production of British films?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

Talking pictures are within the scope of the Cinematograph Films Act, which was passed to encourage the production of British films, but I am not prepared to place direct restrictions upon the importation of American talking films into this country.

Sir A. KNOX

Does the right hon. Gentleman not recognise that the Films Act has largely failed in its object? This is not a party question, and I would like to know if the right hon. Gentleman does not think that it is time that ho should do something to protect the language and the ideas of Britishers in this country?

Mr. GRAHAM

I am afraid that I cannot accept that statement. After all, the legislation referred to by the hon. and gallant Gentleman was only passed in 1927. I know that there are difficulties in applying it, but I think it is much too early to say that the Act has broken down.

Mr. LEIF JONES

Can the right hon. Gentleman do nothing to secure that we should sec good films, whether they are American or British?

Mr. GRAHAM

That, of course, is one of the objects of legislation, but the primary object is to secure a quota of British films.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to accept a Scotsman as an authority on the English language?

Mr. GRAHAM

Certainly.