§ 73. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs particulars of any inquiries that have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Dominion Governments relative to the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, and the replies received; and which of the Dominion Governments have agreed to or are about to introduce similar legislation with special reference to the quota provisions of this Act?
§ Mr. Furness (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. Copies of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, were communicated to the Dominion Governments, who had been kept informed of developments during its passage through Parliament. An Act was passed in New South Wales in December last year, containing provisions for the establishment, in addition to the existing exhibitor's quota of Australian films, of an exhibitor's quota of British films, as defined in Part III of the United Kingdom Act of 1938. These provisions relating to the exhibitor's quota of British films, which in the first year would be 15 per cent., are not, however, operative until a Proclamation has been issued by the Governor putting them into effect. I have no information as to the intention of Governments in the Dominions elsewhere.
§ Mr. DayCan the hon. Gentleman say whether any negotiations are going on with other Dominion Governments to see whether they will pass a Bill on similar lines?
§ Mr. FurnessI must ask the hon. Member to put that question down.