HC Deb 18 November 1930 vol 245 c245
65. Mr. DAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the manner in which applications are considered for certificates of exemption by cinematograph exhibitors for non-compliance with the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; and by whom these applications are considered?

Mr. GRAHAM

The Act lays upon the Board of Trade the responsibility for deciding whether to issue a certificate in any case, after considering all the facts. It is the practice, however, to lay every submission in full before the advisory committee for their advice before a decision is taken.

Mr. DAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is fair for the independent exhibitors to have to lay their complaints before the trade exhibitors?

Mr. GRAHAM

My hon. Friend has raised that point on many occasions, but I can only say that I must have regard to the organised bodies. I have no reason to believe that they do not do their work in a fair way.

Mr. DAY

Does not my right hon. Friend see these reports?

Mr. GRAHAM

I see some of the reports from time to time, but I am afraid that I have a very large amount of other business.