§ 33. Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists with respect to the working of the Cinematograph Films Act; and whether he will appoint a Departmental committee of inquiry to ascertain whether any amending legislation and, if so, of what nature, is necessary?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that suggestions have been made for the amendment of the Act in some respects, and I shall, of course, be ready to give them consideration if they are laid before me. I see no reason at present, however, for taking the course suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. There 942 already exists a very representative committee to advise on the working of the Act.
Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that the cinematograph film industry itself appointed a censorship, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time that the House of Commons and the Government took some hand in a really strict censorship of films?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot go into the question of the censorship of films, but there is a Joint Films Committee of the Trades Union Congress and the Federation of British Industries, who have, f believe, drawn up a report on the subject.