§ 17. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the statement on page 84 of the Report on Development and Welfare in the West Indies in 1952, regarding the difficulty experienced in the British Caribbean Territories in getting sufficient British films of suitable quality; and what steps he is taking to improve matters.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe position described in the Report has already been discussed by my Department with the Board of Trade. I understand that, in the three Colonies where quota legislation is in force, the quotas are usually fully met. The general difficulty is that American films can usually be got more cheaply than British, and contain more of the violent action type which is said to be in greatest demand.
§ Mr. BraineHas my right hon. Friend seen that passage in the Report which states:
… the episodes of sheer brutality that are portrayed on so many films in so many cinemas in the West Indies do make it legitimate to wonder whether the boards of censors, and those who appoint them, are sufficiently alive to their responsibilities,and can my right hon. Friend discuss that matter with the West Indian Government?