§ 15. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has yet arrived at a definition of non-inflammable films; and will he give particulars?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Clynes)The provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1909, apply only to the use of inflammable films. There is no definition of inflammable in the Act, but I would refer my hon. Friend to the case of Victoria Pier (Folkestone) Syndicate Limited versus Reeve, which was decided in 1912, and which gives an indication of the view which the Courts take as to the meaning of the word.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that many local authorities, including the London County Council, have not been able to define what a "non-flam" film is, until they have a ruling from the Home Office, and in view of the fact that many places are showing "non-flam" films—
§ Mr. DAYNon-inflammable films. In view of the fact that many places are showing "non-flam" films, does not my right hon. Friend think that some definition should be given?
§ Mr. CLYNESThis matter is highly technical, and I have done my best to refer my hon. Friend to the real source of definitions. It is not for the Home Office to define; it is for the courts.