28. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that local licensing authorities in Scotland only possess powers to make regulations ensuring safety in cinemas, and that therefore these authorities have no power to require licensees to exhibit only films passed by the British Board of Film Censors or to regulate the admission of children and young persons under the age of 16 years to see films passed by the Board as suitable for exhibition to adults only; and what action he proposes to take to protect the public, and more especially children and young persons, from the exhibition of unsuitable films?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am advised that the legal position in Scotland is as stated in the first part of the question, though I am not aware that the matter has been the subject of judicial decision. As regards the latter part of the question, legislation would be required to change the present position, and I cannot give any undertaking about this. I am, however, at present engaged in reviewing the whole question.
Duchess of ATHOLLDoes my right hon. Friend think that the children and young persons of Scotland are having fair consideration in this matter, when one remembers that, for over 10 years there have been regulations under the English Home Office which have protected many children and young persons from the exhibition of unsuitable films?
§ Sir G. COLLINSWithout giving any definite opinion on the subject, agree that it requires close consideration; and, as I have said in my answer to the Noble Lady, the whole matter is receiving my careful consideration at the moment.