§ 41. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Home Secretary whether he will issue a circular to local councils intimating that where they permit the opening of cinemas on Sundays it should be subject to the condition that the programmes of the day are approved by the licensing authorities?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo, Sir. I think this is a matter which must be left to the discretion of the licensing authorities, who, I believe, generally require that all films to be exhibited must have received the certificate of the British Board of Film Censors.
§ Sir P. HurdIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that where local authorities do exercise supervision of Sunday programmes the general effect has been to tone them up and to eliminate those of a debasing tendency?
§ Mr. Morrison:I do not know about that, but I think it would be a highly inconvenient arrangement if licensees exhibited their films to local authorities. It would, no doubt, be a pleasant thing for members of the local authorities, but I cannot believe that it would be in the public interest.
§ Mr. SorensenIf films are allowed to be shown during the week, is there any reason why they should not be shown on Sunday?