§ Mr. H. WilsonI beg to move, in page 5, line 45, at the end to insert:
Provided that nothing in this subsection shall render unlawful an agreement between a renter and an exhibitor for the delivery as aforesaid of two or more films at an inclusive rental, if the proportion of the rental to be attributed to each film is defined on or before the delivery of those films.This Amendment, which covers a small point, makes it clear that although each film must, in due course, be separately charged for, it will still be permissible for the renter to quote to the exhibitor an inclusive price for two or more films, provided the alteration is made in the two different films before they are delivered.
§ Earl WintertonThis Amendment meets the views of many who are connected with the industry, and I would like to thank the right hon. Gentleman for proposing to put it into the Bill.
§ Mr. CollinsI wonder why these words must be inserted, and whether they are not dangerous? There has been a great deal of discussion on this Bill about the practice of charging weekly rentals of 10s. or 15s. for second feature films. All are agreed that this is a practice which is extremely bad for the industry. Reference has also been made to the practice of block bookings, whereby a feature film is given to an exhibitor for a proportion of the takings, 50 per cent. or more, and a second feature film is thrown in. My right hon. Friend has said that these words are of small importance but, in effect, they give the blessing of this Bill to these practices. The renter will be able to say, "Here is an arrangement which is not merely regarded as a trade practice, but is desirable." Nothing has been said about defining the proportions. They can be as to 99 per cent. for one film and 1 per cent. for another. I hope my right hon. Friend will look at this matter again, because I feel that these words will lead to a continuance of those practices which the industry have regarded as most undesirable.
§ Amendment agreed to.