§ Mr. Liddallasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of long British films registered under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, for the years ended 30th September, 1939 and 1940?
§ Mr. Lyttelton:The number of films registered as British long films under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, in the period 1st October, 1938, to 30th September, 1939, was 104, and in the period 1st October, 1939, to 30th September, 1940, 96.
§ Mr. Liddallasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties which many cinematograph exhibitors experienced in securing sufficient long British films to comply with the quota requirements for the year ended 30th September, 1940; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ My. Lyttelton:I have received representations from the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association of Great Britain and Ireland to the effect stated in the Question. I have asked the Cinematograph Films Council for their advice; when I have received it I will decide what action, if any, is necessary.
§ Mr. Lees-Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions were instituted against cinematograph exhibitors for failure to comply with the British quota requirements of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, for the years ended 30th September, 1939 and 1940; and with what results?
§ Mr. Lyttelton:Seven summonses were issued to cinematograph exhibitors for failure to comply with the quota requirements of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, during the year ended 30th September, 1939. Five of these summonses were dismissed; on the other two, a fine of £ 100 with 40 guineas costs was imposed. No proceedings have yet been instituted for failure to comply with the quota requirements of the Act during the year ended 30th September, 1940.