§ Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports have been received from the local authorities as to the number of films that have been banned from exhibition in any of His Majesty's Colonies during the three years ended the last convenient date; whether his reports show that the system of censorship existing in the Colonies appears to be working satisfactorily; and whether any alterations are contemplated or have taken place during the same period?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe censorship of films in the Colonies is necessarily a matter for the local authorities and cases in which films are banned are not generally reported to me. The only Colony with regard to which the figures desired by the hon. Member are available is Trinidad, where in the years 1936, 1937 and 1938 the number of films rejected was 13, 36 and 31, respectively, representing between 1 and 4 percent. of all the films submitted.
The system of censorship seems to be working satisfactorily. No changes in the system have taken place in the last three years and, so far as I am aware, none is contemplated.