HC Deb 27 February 1930 vol 235 cc2394-5
35. Mr. ARTHUR LAW

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any restrictions on foreign films being exhibited in this country; and, if so, will he say from which country films are excluded?

Mr. CLYNES

Apart from the prescribed customs duties and the provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, relating to quotas of British films, I am not aware that any restrictions are imposed on the exhibition of foreign films as such either generally or as respects films from any particular country.

Mr. LAW

Who, then, is to prevent the Russian films from being shown in this country?

Mr. CLYNES

The point raised in that supplementary question is different from the question of restriction alluded to in the original question.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it not the procedure that they are stopped at the Customs, and is not this a matter for the President of the Board of Trade?

Mr. CLYNES

No, Sir. Questions of the kind which the hon. Member has in mind are the restrictions imposed either by the local authorities or by the film censor.