§ 27. Mr. Dayasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give particulars of the number of applications that have been made to his Department for a certificate of exemption for non-compliance with the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; in how many cases have they been granted; and can he say when it is proposed to introduce legislation to amend the provisions of this Act?
§ Dr. BurginDetails are not available of the number of applications made for certificates of exemption. In general all exhibitors or renters who are in default are given an opportunity of claiming such a certificate and practically all do so. The number of defaults, in the case of renters, for the four years ended March, 1936, was 29; no certificates of exemption were issued. The number of defaults in the case of exhibitors, for the four years ended September, 1935, was 585, and 42 certificates were issued. The examination of the exhibitors' returns for the year ended September, 1936, has not yet been completed, but 16 certificates have so far been issued. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 19th January.
§ Mr. DayCan the Minister say what is to happen to those exhibitors who have not received their certificates? Have prosecutions been instituted?
§ Dr. BurginPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.