§ 22. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDasked the Home Secretary whether he is contemplating the imposition of any censorship upon cinema news reels?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, but I have thought it my duty to see representatives of this branch of the industry and to point out that it rests with them so to handle their material as to make it unnecessary for the Government to consider the imposition of any censorship on news reels.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDIs it not a fact that the recent assassination pictures were revolting?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have heard complaints on that subject and that is why I have seen the industry.
§ 23. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to make fresh safety regulations under the Films Act, 1909?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am glad of this opportunity to state that the revision of the Regulations made in 1923 under the Cinematograph Act, 1909, has been under consideration for some time past. The intention is to adapt the Regulations to present conditions, and one of the points to be dealt with is the relaxation, in favour of slow-burning films, of certain requirements necessary for fast-burning films. No draft has yet been completed and it is, I think, scarcely necessary for me to add that before any new Regulations are finally made, full consultation will take place betwen my Department and the different interests involved.
§ Mr. WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable anxiety among education authorities and scientific bodies that these regulations would preclude them from carrying on these useful activities, and may I assume that his answer covers consultation with such bodies?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROh, yes, certainly.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDIs it not a fact that the 16 millimetre films are 340 practically non-inflammable and therefore quite safe?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI could not express any view on that technical point.