§ 44. Sir COOPER RAWSONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention 1298 has been called to the importation into this country on 29th November of a film reacting the murder of Brooke Hart in California by Thurmond and Holmes who were subsequently lynched, including an authentic scene of Thurmond after his confession being taken by the police to the scene of the murder, and a still photograph of one of the murderers hanging after lynching; whether he is aware that this film was distributed to various picture theatres in this country; and whether he will issue orders forbidding the exhibition of this film on the grounds of public decency?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed that steps were taken by the distributing company last Saturday to prevent the further exhibition of this film.
§ Sir C. RAWSONWill the right hon. Gentleman obtain some further powers to prevent the importation of these offensive films in the future?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf further experience should show it to be necessary to have powers, that might have to be done. At the present moment I think it is not necessary.
§ Sir C. RAWSONIf this film was not a news film why was it not brought before the Films Advisory Committee? It could not have been a news film.
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt was a news film, and of course, news films are not examined by the Board of Film Censors. But attention was drawn to it, notices were published, communications took place, and in this case, the film has been withdrawn.
§ Sir ARNOLD WILSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "Daily Mirror" on 29th November published the identical photograph of a naked man hanging on a tree; and will he suitably admonish those responsible?