§ 32. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider taking steps to appoint a film censor to protect the public interest, in view of the fact that the present film Censor is appointed and paid by the trade and has no responsibility to the general public or the State?
§ Sir S. HoareThis question has been repeatedly considered, and I have no reason to differ from the opinions expressed by my predecessors that the present system of censorship works on the whole very well. As the hon. Member is probably aware, the local authorities are responsible in law for deciding whether a particular film shall be exhibited or not in their area. As a general rule they accept the certificate of the British Board of Film Censors, but it is always open to them to allow a film to be exhibited which has not been passed by the British Board of Film Censors and to prohibit the exhibition of a film which has been so passed.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Minister familiar with a case in which a body of people recently wrote to the Censor, under the impression that he was there to protect public interests, and that he not only did not acknowledge the receipt of the letter, 559 but sent it on to the producers, who took legal action against the people? Will he not, in view of this, reconsider the matter?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir; I do not think an exceptional case of that kind would justify me in proposing any new action. The present system, speaking generally is working very well.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Minister not willing to make it clear to the public that the present Censor is not in any sense a protector of public interests?