§ 33. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to restrictions on the showing of British films in Singapore and the Federation of Malaya; what is the function of the Parkinson Committee in respect of the British quota law affecting films; and, in view of the campaign to repress gangsterism, what action is being taken to secure the showing of a larger number of good British films and a less number of American and other films displaying the exploits of white gangsters.
§ Mr. LytteltonApart from the ordinary film censorship, I know of no restrictions 374 on the showing of British films in Singapore and the Federation of Malaya. The Parkinson Committee has been set up to consider whether the present regulation requiring a quota of British films to be shown should be replaced and, if so, what other legislation should take its place. Undesirable scenes of gansterism in films of any origin can be cut by the censor.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these unfortunate films have been shown, and that there was a good deal of protest from the locality against their showing? In view of the unfortunate effects which these exhibitions had on the people in the district, cannot some action be taken so that a larger proportion of suitable films are shown rather than these being pushed forward by vested interests?
§ Mr. LytteltonAs I have said, the matter of a larger quota of British films is now under consideration by the Committee. With regard to what the hon. Gentleman describes as undesirable scenes of gangsterism, I have examined the instructions to the censor and they seem to be very wisely drawn. Prima facie, I do not believe that there is very much to put right.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman make a special point of looking at this matter because of its significance?
§ Mr. LytteltonCertainly, and I shall also be glad if the hon. Gentleman will send me some information which he clearly has in mind, which I have not in front of me.