§ 23. Mr. Dayasked the Home Secretary whether he will give particulars of the result of consultations held between his office and the Secretary of State for Scotland on the exhibition at cinemas of objectionable pictures which are harmful to the minds of children and young persons; and what action he proposes taking in the matter?
§ Mr. LloydThe hon. Member is no doubt referring to the consultations between the Home Office and the Scottish Office which took place as a result of representations from the National Cinema Inquiry Committee. It was arranged that the two Departments should examine the questions raised by the deputation, and in particular that a survey of the conditions in Scotland should be undertaken. 182 This has now been done, and after careful consideration my right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland have come to the conclusion that there are no sufficient grounds for the holding of a comprehensive inquiry such as the deputation suggested. It has, however, been decided to make certain changes in the composition and terms of reference of the Film Censorship Consultative Committee which was set up in 1931, and in particular to include representatives from Scotland. The necessary steps are being taken, and my right hon. Friend before long hopes to be in a position to make a further announcement on this subject.