§ 55. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, when the Board of Film Censors, an unofficial body, have banned the production of a film there is no appeal to any official body against their decision; that this power may involve grave restriction on individual liberty and exclude the filming of many of our national characteristics; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps to appoint a small body to whom writers and producers may appeal against the decisions of the Board of Film Censors?
§ Sir J. AndersonI would point out to the hon. Member that the decision whether a particular film may be exhibited to the public rests with the local licensing authorities. As a general rule they accept the certificate of the British Board of Film Censors, but where a certificate has been refused it is open to the producer of the film to apply to the licensing authorities for permission to exhibit it.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the Minister aware that unless a would-be producer of a very 562 costly film has some knowledge of the reception that will be accorded to it by the Board of Film Censors, that particular film is not likely to be produced; and that being the case, will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the Question in which the question of the liberty of the subject is involved?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs I think the hon. Member is aware, the arrangements for censorship through the Board of Film Censors are arrangements made by the trade itself in its own interest, and the Government do not exercise any control over the actions of that board.
§ Mr. WilliamsOught not the Government, in the circumstances indicated in the Question, to pay more attention to the production of British films displaying British life than they have done so far?
§ Sir J. AndersonI think that is a separate Question, but there is no power of control over the Board of Film Censors.