§ 73. Sir W. Smithersasked the Home Secretary who appoints the film censor and what qualifications are required?
§ Mr. PeakeThe censorship of films is undertaken by the British Board of Film Censors. The Board was set up many years ago by agreement within the cinematograph industry which appoints the President. The present President is Lord Tyrrell, who, I understand, satisfies himself as to the qualifications of the four examiners responsible for examining the films under his general direction.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhile thanking the Under-Secretary for that reply, the whole of which I could not hear, is it not a fact that the Film Controller is in reality more or less the nominee of the film industry, and will he take steps to get the film control under more independent persons?
§ Mr. PeakeThe present system has existed now for a great number of years and has operated, I think, to the general satisfaction of all parties.