HC Deb 09 April 1936 vol 310 cc2932-3
17. Mr. MESSER

asked the Home Secretary when the last inquiry into film censorship took place; and whether a report is likely to he issued?

Mr. LLOYD

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10th February to the hon. and gallant Member for South Cardiff (Captain A. Evans).

Mr. MESSER

May I obtain from the Under-Secretary any information as to when the report is likely to be issued?

Mr. LLOYD

I could not say at present.

19. Mr. MESSER

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take legislative steps to prohibit the exhibition of films in this country showing acts of cruelty to animals and also those films in the production of which there has been cruelty to animals?

Mr. LLOYD

No, Sir. I think this matter is best left in the hands of the British Board of Film Censors and the cinematograph licensing authorities.

Mr. MESSER

Is the British Board of Film Censors an impartial body in this matter?

Mr. LLOYD

I understand that the practice of the Board of Film Censors is to refuse to pass any film reasonably supposed to be produced by means which necessitate cruelty, or by means of restraint involving cruelty.

Mr. MESSER

Do not those words permit a coach and four to be driven through them?