HC Deb 23 January 1930 vol 234 cc339-40
87. Sir B. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the changed condition of the film industry owing to the introduction of talking films, he will appoint a committee to inquire into the working of the Films Act of 1927 and to make recommendations to the Government as to the amendments required to render it effective?

Mr. W. R. SMITH

There already exists a statutory Committee which keeps the working of the Act constantly under review, and I see no occasion to appoint another committee as suggested.

Sir B. PETO

May I ask whether the hon. Member will call the attention of the Committee to the great change that has taken place in the film industry since the introduction of the Bill and ask their advice as to whether the Films Act is really operating in the way that it was intended to operate when it was passed?

Mr. SMITH

I am under the impression that these facts are already well known to the Committee, because many of them are practical men associated with the industry.

Sir B. PETO

I am asking whether he will ask the Committee expressly to report to the Government what alteration should be made in the Act in view of the changes in the film industry.