HC Deb 24 November 1954 vol 533 cc147-8W
Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade to state the total number of first-feature film quota defaults since October, 1951; and the total number of prosecutions against defaulters.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Cinemas which failed to achieve their prescribed first-feature quotas for the year to 30th September, 1952, number 1,043, and proceedings have been instituted in 15 of these cases. Proceedings have not yet been started in respect of cinemas failing to achieve their prescribed first-feature quotas for the year ended 30th September, 1953, which number 884. Details are not yet available for the year ended 30th September, 1954.

Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, when giving figures of film quota defaults, he will introduce a new classification so as to make plain the difference between exhibitors who have justification for failing to fulfil the quota and exhibitors who have not.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No.