HC Deb 24 June 1930 vol 240 c949
3. Mr. DAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of cases that have been brought to his attention of cinematograph exhibitors who have failed during the previous 12 months to comply with the exhibitors' quota as set out in the Cinematograph Films Act of 1927; and what action has been taken in the matter?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The number of cases disclosed in which exhibitors failed to satisfy the quota requirements of the Act during the first quota year, ended September last, was 157, but in many of these the exhibitor was only in occupation for a small part of the year. The cases are being considered, and proceedings are being taken in a number of instances in which the reasons advanced for the defaults are considered inadequate.

Mr. DAY

Is it the fact that exhibitors find it impossible to comply with the quota, and is not that the reason for these breaches?

Mr. GRAHAM

That, again, is material for debate, and I could not possibly deal with it in reply to a supplementary question. It is, among other things, what the Advisory Committee is considering.

Mr. DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take these matters into consideration?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have constant questions regarding this Act, and the subject is always before me.