§ 35. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in his next discussion of the policy of the British Board of Film Censors, he will inform the new president of the Board of the increasing public concern about the number of horror films exhibited in cinemas.
§ Mr. VosperMy right hon. Friend has no responsibility for the policy of the British Board of Film Censors, but I have no doubt that the Board takes due note of expressions of public concern about the kinds of films exhibited.
§ Mr. GoodhartI am sure that the new president needs no prompting about the state of public opinion, but will the Government, as a practical demonstration of their concern in this matter, take steps to tighten up their control of certain horror film advertisements, which are very horrifying in themselves?
§ Mr. VosperMy right hon. Friend appreciates the concern about this matter. My hon. Friend, I think, appreciates that there is no State censorship. The Board of Film Censors is an independent body. Both the Board and the local authorities, who are the licensing authorities in this respect, will, I am certain, take note of the Question.