HC Deb 03 February 1949 vol 460 c1812
9. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the arrangements entered into with the large circuit owners enable any new cinemas to be built and operated by them.

Mr. H. Wilson

Under Section 5 of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1948, I am empowered to withhold a licence for the operation of any cinema by a circuit of more than 200 theatres unless the cinema was comprised in the circuit before September, 1947.

Mr. Shepherd

Does that mean that circuits which already hold sites will not be allowed to develop them or to replace cinemas which have been bombed?

Mr. Wilson

We have not yet had any applications on those lines. The hon. Member had better wait until we get some.

Mr. Medland

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it would be much better to allow the blitzed cities to be rebuilt before any more cinemas are put up?

Mr. Wilson

There has not been any question of allowing new cinemas to be built, and no licences have been issued for that purpose.