§ 72. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a table showing the numbers of prosecutions of film quota defaulters, and the proportions of film quota defaulters who were prosecuted, in each of the last five years.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe table below shows for the last four years the number of defaults and prosecutions. I have also included the average quota achievement. I will send the hon. Member details for the year 1955–56 as soon as they are available. The Cinematograph Films Acts, 1938 and 1948, recognise that some exhibitors will be unable to achieve their quota but will not be guilty of a quota offence.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe relevant provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, are long and complicated. I am therefore sending the hon. Member copies of the application form and regulations prescribing the information which has to be given.