§ 58. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary whether he will give particulars of the films about which his Department was consulted by the British Board of Film Censors during the last two years; and whether the advice tendered was accepted?
§ Sir S. HoareIt would not be right that persons or organisations asking for advice or information from my Department should be liable to have their communications made public, but I may say that the two cases in which this board has consulted the Home Office in the last two years were in no way connected with a political issue.
§ 59. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the question of promoting legislation to prevent the political censorship of films now exercised by the British Board of Film Censors in view of its action in refusing permission for, or insisting on cuts in, the March of Time films, Arms and the League, Threat to Gibraltar, Crisis in Algeria, as well as such films as Inside Nazi Germany, Nazi Conquest No. 1—Austria, Croix de Feu, Spanish Earth, and Britain and Peace; and the fact that this censorship has been exercised on political grounds invariably contrary to the views held by His Majesty's Opposition and favourable to the views held by His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir. As I have stated in reply to previous questions by the hon. Member, I am unable to accept his view that the British Board of Film Censors exercises a political censorship. Moreover, the judgment of the board is not final, and it is open to the local authorities to allow a film which has been rejected by the board in whole or in part.
§ Mr. ManderIf I am able to produce evidence tending to show that this political censorship docs, in fact, exist will the Home Secretary be good enough to give consideration to it?
§ Sir S. HoareI will certainly consider any information which the hon. Member gives me, but whether or not I then have 2342 any responsibility in the matter I will judge for myself.
§ Mr. Herbert MorrisonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether such political censorship is not indirectly exercised by officials of the Conservative Central Office?
§ Mr. Charles WilliamsIs it true that censorship is not exercised by the leaders of the Labour party?
§ Mr. DayAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has not had any topical films referred to his Department in connection with the censorship?
§ Sir S. HoareI have just said that I am not prepared to give details of the two cases in which I have been consulted.