HC Deb 05 March 1931 vol 249 cc570-1
28. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the unpatriotic tendency of certain films licensed for exhibition in this country, he will introduce a Bill to establish a censorship of films under the control of, and responsible to, his Department?

Mr. CLYNES

I do not know what particular films the hon. Member has in mind. As regards the question of censorship I would refer the hon. Member to the full reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Dorset (Mr. Glassey) on the 11th December last.

Mr. SMITHERS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the film referred to is "Storm over Asia," and is it a fact that there is no Minister responsible for answering questions as to the desirability of certain films being exhibited in this country?

Mr. CLYNES

As to the latter part of the question, I have already given an answer to points of that kind. I am not to blame for it if the position be as the hon. Member states. As to the other point, I can only say that no special film was mentioned, and that there are different views of what are unpatriotic tendencies.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is it not a fortunate thing that there is some sphere of life still left which is not controlled by bureaucrats?