§ Mr. Bennasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the name of those films which have been declared unsuitable for African audiences by the 13W Northern Rhodesia African Film Censoring Board since 1st January, 1957, to the latest convenient date; how many of these were proscribed after they had been advertised for showing at the multiracial cinema in Lusaka owned by Mr. V. Mistry; what was the longest notice given of this proscription for films already advertised and what was the shortest notice; and if he will make a statement on the Film Censoring Board, its origins, composition, and methods of work.
§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd,pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th April, 1957; Vol. 568, c. 193–4], supplied the following information:—
The following six films have been declared unsuitable for African audiences by the Northern Rhodesia Native Film Censorship Board since 1st January, 1957:
- Blue Steel
- Oath of Vengeance
- Frontier Trail
- Lavender Hill Mob
- Gaumont British News Reels Nos. 903 and 904
- Paramount News Reel No. 566.
All the above were so declared unsuitable after they have been advertised for showing at the multi-racial cinema in Lusaka owned by Mr. V. Mistry. The longest notice given was nine days and the shortest one day. The short notice is due to delay by the distribution in delivering the film to the exhibitor and consequently to his submitting the film late for censorship. Where only one day's notice was given the film had been submitted only the previous day.
The Native Film Censorship Board is appointed by Regulation by the Governor in Council under Section 7 of the Theatre and Cinematograph Ordinance (Cap. 195. Volume 6). The present membership of the Board is Chairman: The Secretary for Native Affairs (or his nominee).
Members:
The Commissioner of Police (or his nominee).
The Chief Information Officer (or his nominee).
A European member of the African Education Department, nominated by the Director of African Education
The District Commissioner, Lusaka Urban District.
- A. J. Harris.
- The Reverend J. C. Houghton.
- The Reverend Father D. O'Loghlen.
- The Reverend J. R. Shaw.
The Chairman, Lusaka Women's Institute (or her nominee).
The Manager of African Affairs, Lusaka Municipal Council.
- L. Malama.
- J. N. Phiri.
- L. Makubalo.
14 - M.Mfula.
- N. Monga.
- E. Lumbada
- J. Chipwaya.
Secretary: Mrs. P. M. Chetwynd-Palmer.
The Chairman, or not less than two members of the Board, form a quorum. Questions before the Board are decided by a majority of votes of those present and voting and, in the case of equality of votes the chairman has an additional casting vote. If only two members of the Board are present and voting then, in the case of equality of votes on any question the question has to be brought up again for decision by not less than three members of the Board.
Under the Regulations the approval of the Board cannot be given with respect to any cinematograph picture or any part thereof which in its opinion depicts any matter that is contrary to public order or decency, or the exhibition of which would for any other reason be undesirable in the public interest. The approval of the Board may be absolute or may be given subject to a condition that the picture in question may be exhibited only to natives or non-natives. There is a right of appeal to the Governor and the Governor may confirm, disallow or vary acts or decisions of the Board subject to the Regulations.
A copy of the Ordinance with the Regulations made under it is in the Library of the House.