§ 37. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute an inquiry into the extent and possible effects of regular attendance at cinemas by young children, with particular reference to children's matinees and cinema clubs.
§ Mr. EdeI am doubtful on present information about the value of such an inquiry, but I am making certain further inquiries and will let my hon. Friend know the result.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that hundreds of thousands of children are subjected each week to propaganda of a most undesirable sort through the films, and that the influence of this on our future citizens must be deleterious?
§ Mr. EdeI hope that hon. Members will keep a sense of proportion in this matter. In my young days the "penny blood" was the source of all juvenile delinquency, and the fact that it was frowned upon considerably increased its circulation.
§ Mr. DumpletonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is really widespread genuine concern among teachers, members of local education authorities, juvenile panel magistrates and many others who have anything to do with children, not only at the lack of suitable films, which is admitted by the people concerned, but the unsuitability of the people who manage these clubs to deal with children?