§ Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any Dominion has instituted a quota of British films and, at the same time, given effect to such quota?
Mr. THOMASAccording to my latest information, legislation has been passed in New Zealand, the State of Victoria in Australia, the Provinces of Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, and in Southern Rhodesia, which provides in each case for the institution of a quota of British films. In the Canadian Provinces referred to the legislation is in all cases permissive and, as far as I have been able to ascertain, no steps have yet been taken to give effect to it. In New Zealand the Section of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, which provides for an exhibitor's quota of British films, does not become effective unless and until it is brought into force by the Governor-General by Order-in-Council. I understand, however, that New Zealand exhibitors have undertaken to exhibit a percentage of British films exceeding that prescribed in the Act and that, in the circumstances, the Governor-General has not issued any Order-in-Council under the aforesaid Section of the Act.