HC Deb 04 December 1958 vol 596 cc1350-1
27. Captain Pilkington

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the conclusions and recommendations of his inquiry as to how far horrific and sadistic films and television features are partially responsible for the present crime wave; and what action he is taking.

Mr. R. A. Butler

While I am much concerned by the increase in crime and am anxious to ascertain its causes, my hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken in thinking that I have undertaken an inquiry of the kind to which he refers.

Captain Pilkington

Does not my right hon. Friend think that he should make such an inquiry? Has he considered making a direct approach to those who are responsible for showing these films in this country?

Mr. Butler

I have investigated the matter with the British Board of Film Censors. While they accept what is called "horror", which is a tradition of the drama and the cinema, they try to remove from films, as far as possible, what is disgusting or repulsive, and to cut out scenes of violence or sadism. I have made certain inquiries and, without giving an undertaking to make a formal or official inquiry, I can say that I will accept anything which my hon. and gallant Friend can put before me and follow up any point he raises.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the right hon. Gentleman investigate some of the broadcast plays which, evidently because they are regarded as being classics, can be as horrible as they like? It does not seem that a play must necessarily be horrible before it can be regarded as a classical production.

Mr. Butler

I did not mention it in my previous answer, but I have also ascertained that under Section 3 of the Television Act, and under the B.B.C. Charter, the broadcasting authorities have a duty to satisfy themselves that, so far as possible, programmes contain nothing which is likely to encourage or incite crime, or lead to disorder. I hope that these questions and answers will bring to the attention of the bodies concerned the importance of carrying out the provisions of the Act and the Charter in the proper way.