§ 4. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions are currently being held with the British Board of Film Censors.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have had informal discussions of a general character with the President and Secretary of the Board.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the British Board of Film Censors no longer seems to enjoy the same confidence in its judgment among local authorities as once was the case? Does my right hon. Friend feel that some form of statutory code is required, or, if not that, can he initiate talks to bring local authorities, the film industry and the Board into harmony once more?
§ Mr. MaudlingI held a meeting yesterday on the specific point with representatives of the AMC, the County Councils Association and the Greater London Council. They did not share my hon. Friend's view. They did not express any lack of confidence in the Board. There are ways in which co-operation can be improved and I shall pursue them. In general, they express satisfaction with the present system.
§ Mr. John FraserWill the right hon. Gentleman be a scrupulous guardian of the rights of free expression, except where obvious harm may result to the public 1743 by virtue of the wanton display of works of violence, and so forth?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am a scrupulous guardian of the rights of free expression. I am also a guardian of society against violence. If there is evidence that any activity is contributing to the disturbing growth in the land of violence, it is my responsibility to do something about it.