§ 33. Mr. DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of cinematograph exhibitors and/or renters who applied for and were granted a certificate of exemption for non-compliance with the quota provisions set out in the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHOf the exhibitors who carried on business throughout the last quota year, 122 applied for a certificate that the reasons for their noncompliance with the quota requirements were reasons beyond their control, and after consultation with the advisory committee, certificates have been issued in two cases. In addition similar applications were made by 38 exhibitors for part of the year only, and certificates have been issued in three of these cases. I am not yet in a position to give similar information in respect of the renters, whose quota year ended only in March.
§ Mr. DAYCan my hon. Friend say anything with regard to the exhibitors who have not had exemption certificates granted to them?
§ Mr. SMITHA number of them have been dealt with by means of prosecution in the courts and others are being considered.
§ Mr. DAYDoes not the fact that a large number have failed to comply with the quota provisions set out in the Act show that this portion of the Act has broken down?
§ Miss WILKINSONCan the Parliamentary Secretary say what are the reasons given for not complying with the Act?