§ 31. Mr. Dayasked the President of the Board of Trade whether replies have now been received from the various sections of the cinematograph trade with their suggestions on the proposed amendments necessary to the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; and whether he can now give particulars as to when it is proposed to introduce the necessary amending legislation?
§ Mr. RuncimanFurther observations have been received from certain sections 160 of the industry in regard to the report of the Departmental Committee on Films and these are receiving consideration. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on this subject to the hon. Member on 23rd February.
§ Mr. DayIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delay in making an announcement in regard to the amendment of this Act, which shortly expires, is causing very grave harm to the industry?
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderAre we to understand now that the amending Bill is not to be introduced during this Parliamentary Session?
§ Mr. RuncimanNo, Sir; the right hon. Gentleman is not to understand that.
§ 38. Sir John Mellorasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the estimate of the Board of Trade that net payments for film royalties contributed over £5,000,000 to the United Kingdom's adverse balance of international payments of a revenue character for 1936, the Government will consider taking steps to secure that in future payments for foreign films shown in the United Kingdom shall be more evenly balanced by receipts for British films shown abroad?
§ Mr. RuncimanMy hon. Friend's suggestion has been noted.
§ Sir J. MellorWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Departmental Committee which reported in November last recommended that only further measures could correct the present situation, and will he endeavour to make an early announcement of the Government's policy?