§ 61. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary the present position with regard to non-inflammable films and the conditions under which they may be shown in this country?
§ Sir S. HoareThe Cinematograph Act which gives local authorities power to enforce conditions as to the exhibition of films applies only to inflammable films. The question has arisen whether slow-burning films are or are not subject to this Act, and whether in any case the exhibition of such films ought not for safety and other purposes to be subject to some control by the local authorities. I have asked the Cinematograph Advisory Committee to consider the question.
§ Mr. ManderIn view of the anxiety which is felt upon this subject, will the Home Secretary be good enough to give the House an assurance that there is no question of introducing any form of censorship in connection with these films?
§ Mr. PilkingtonHas not the hon. Member himself been defending very inflammable films?
§ Sir S. HoareI have told the hon. Member that I have referred this question to the Cinematograph Advisory Committee, and they will consider all the issues concerned.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not clear from that answer that this committee has actually under consideration the possibility of some form of censorship?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir, I would not say that, but if the hon. Member puts down a specific question about censorship I will see if I can give him a fuller answer.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many areas there is a suspicion, that instead of these matters being decided upon the question of inflammable or non-inflammable films, it is simply a question of censorship?
§ Sir S. HoareIn regard to any question for which I am responsible there is no Government censorship of any kind.