HC Deb 28 March 1938 vol 333 cc1694-5

Lords Amendment: In page 25, line 40, leave out "is," and insert: (exclusive of any portion of the film which, by virtue of Sub-section (3) of the last preceding Section, is to be treated as not forming part of the film) was.

6.32 p.m.

Captain Wallace

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This is really a drafting Amendment designed to preserve the right of the producer under Clause 25 (3) to include in his films a small proportion of foreign film. The House will remember that it was agreed in Committee that, provided the foreign film did not exceed 10 per cent. in all, or 20 per cent. of the studio scenes, and was not counted in the length of the film, this would be a good idea. This Amendment is simply designed to preserve this right.

Subsequent Lords Amendments to page 27, line 27, agreed to.

Lords Amendment: In page 27, leave out lines 28 to 34, and insert: (7) If, and to the extent that, Section one of this Act has effect subject to the modification made therein by an order containing such a direction as is authorised by paragraph (a) of Sub-section (3) of that Section, Sub-section (6) of this Section shall have effect as if in that Sub-section for the words 'trebled for the purpose of renters 'quota' there were substituted the words 'capable of being doubled under Section three of this Act.'

Captain Wallace

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

The first point, that of leaving out lines 28 to 34, is really a drafting Amendment. On further consideration of this proviso which we are now proposing to delete it was found that it is not necessary. The requirements contained in it are as to what should or should not be entered on the register, and we feel that that is a much more suitable thing to be dealt with administratively than in the Bill. Therefore my right hon. Friend thinks that the omission of this proviso would be advisable. As regards the new Sub-section (7) which it is proposed to insert in this place, it is put in to safeguard the position that if the concessions on treble quota films embodied in Clause 1 are withdrawn, as they may be following a recommendation of the Films Council, the position of such films under Clause 3, that is, for the purpose of reciprocity abroad, will not be prejudiced.