HC Deb 03 March 1955 vol 537 cc303-4W
62. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the President of the Board of Trade his policy on the growth of cinema circuits in this country in relation to his powers and duties under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1948.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

My power to limit the growth of cinema circuits is derived from subsection (5) of Section 5 of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1948. As my hon. and learned Friend told the House on 15th February, the Rank Organisation and the Associated British Picture Corporation have been told that the Board of Trade will not refuse exhibitors' licences under this Section so long as either organisation does not control more than 607 cinemas. The two organisations in 1943 and 1944 agreed to secure the consent of the Board of Trade before exceeding this figure.