§ 20. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports his Department has received during the past two years of cinematograph films banned from exhibition in any of His Majesty's 428 Colonies; will he give the country of origin of same; what method of censorship of films exists in the Colonies; and what alterations in same are contemplated?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe censorship of films in the Colonies is necessarily a matter for the local authorities, and cases in which films are banned are not normally reported to me. In the majority of the Colonies the censorship is exercised by a special board consisting of two or more members. The system appears to be working satisfactorily, and I have received no suggestions that any change is required.
§ Mr. DAYWould the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks for the country of origin of the banned films?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENot more than 40 films have been banned, and there are between 40 and 50 Colonies and Protectorates, which all have their different and varying systems. It would be ridiculous if, every time they banned a film, they reported to me.
§ Mr. DAYFor the purpose of assisting the British film industry, could not the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIf the hon. Gentleman has any case of grievance of the British film industry because of the banning of a film in any particular Colony, I should be prepared to make inquiry into the matter, but a general roving inquiry would lead us nowhere.