§ 13. Mr. Manderasked the Lord Privy Seal, as representing the Minister of Information, whether the Ministry of Information accept responsibility for the security censorship to be now exercised by the British Board of Film Censors; what are the financial and administrative arrangements as between the Ministry and the Board; and whether news-reels, sub- 896 standard films, films for export, and all other types are included.
The Paymaster-General (Earl Winter-ton)I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The Board acts under the instructions of the Ministry in this matter, and its staff is being reinforced by the Ministry. The Board charges the producers the usual fees for the censorship of films for this country; in the case of films for export, where each individual copy has to be examined, a fee is charged for each reel censored. Drawback is allowed where imported films are censored before re-export. The censorship of films for showing in this country is voluntary, but no films may be exported without being censored. It is consequently in the interests of all film producers, including producers of news reels, sub-standard and all other types, to submit their films for security censorship.
§ Mr. ManderI understand from that answer that the Lord Privy Seal will reply to Questions on the subject of films in this House?
§ Earl WintertonYes, Sir, I am only answering for the Lord Privy Seal, because he is unable to be present. The Minister of Information is responsible and the Lord Privy Seal will answer for him in this House.