§ 18. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the various decisions arrived at by local licensing authorities with regard to films that have been refused an exhibition certificate by the British Board of Film Censors, he will consider introducing legislation which will permit film producers or renters to appeal to his department against these decisions instead of, as at present, having to apply to the local licensing authority in each town?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo, Sir. I think the local licensing authority should remain responsible for deciding what films should be exhibited in its area.
§ Mr. DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these film companies have to make an appeal in each town separately, after a film has been rejected by the British Board of Film Censors, and does he not think it a great hardship?
§ Mr. CLYNESCompared with the number of films and the number of houses, these incidents are very rare and would not justify a complete change in the system.