HC Deb 22 March 1956 vol 550 cc1444-5
14. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cinemas failed to achieve their quota of British films last year; and what action he proposes to take with defaulters.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler) on 20th March.

Mr. Jeger

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have consulted that Answer, and it does not give any information about the small cinemas, to which my hon. Friend referred in his original Question'? Would the President take a special look at the smaller cinemas and smaller circuits, which appear to be the main defaulters? Will he investigate whether there are not special difficulties which ought to be overcome?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As the hon. Member knows, in assessing whether an offence has been committed under the Act the kind of circumstance and the degree of competition in a particular town are taken into account.

Mr. Hobson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the worst defaulters in that regard is the Independent Television Authority? Will he consult the Postmaster-General with a view to putting an end to that practice?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Fortunately that does not fall within my field of responsibility.