§ 16. Sir PHILIP RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the method of censoring films in those British Colonies wherein the level of cinema entertainment for Europeans has to be subordinated to the intellect of the natives; and how many British-produced films have been actually barred from exhibition in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika during the past year?
Mr. THOMASNo British-produced film was barred from exhibition in Kenya during the past year, and only one in Uganda. No record of the country of origin of films censored is kept in Tanganyika, but only two films were completely rejected by the local Board of Censors during the past year. I am afraid that I could not give an adequate account of the method of censorship within the limits of a Parliamentary answer.
§ Mr. COCKSIn regard to that part of the question which refers to the effect which cinema films may have upon the natives, will the Secretary of State see that no films representing the present Cabinet are shown?
Mr. THOMASI have already taken into consideration the case of the natives, and, if there was a suggestion that there should be a film of this House, I should see that the hon. Member was not included.
§ 29. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs which of the Dominions have now introduced legislation corresponding with the quota clauses contained in the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; and will he give particulars?
Mr. THOMASAs I informed the hon. Member in reply to his question of the 17th February, legislation of this nature has been passed in New Zealand and in Victoria. Since that date similar powers have been taken in the Province of Ontario in Canada.
§ Mr. DAYIs anything being done to try to get the other Dominions to implement their existing legislation and to bring it into line with our legislation?
Mr. THOMASWe are in communication with them. As the hon. Member will see, since my previous reply one other has come into line. The matter is not being lost sight of.