§ Mr. Alisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many foreign films were imported in 1973, 1974 and 1975; what normal procedures are involved in the scrutiny of such films; and what extra expenditure of time and staff or other resources would be involved in an exhaustive and complete scrutiny of these films, such as to ensure that statutory prohibitions on the import of indecent or obscene films were effectively carried out.
§ Mr. Robert Sheldon:Information about the number of foreign films imported is not available as importations are statistically recorded by length and weight but not by number, nor is a distincton made between foreign and reimported British films. A film which is selected for physical examination by a Customs officer may be subjected to a limited scrutiny at the place of importation or, if considered to need more detailed examination, is forwarded to an office having the necessary facilities.
There are special difficulties in the examination of films. Their title alone can mean very little, and they are less easily examined than books or magazines. In general, a detailed examination involves officers at the ports sending the film to a headquarters office where projection facilities and more specialised consideration are available. Such treatment would not be warranted for the generality of films. The detailed examination of all imported films would impose a heavy additional demand on Customs resources and cause delay to legitimate importations which I do not think would be justified in present circumstances.
§ Mr. Alisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Customs and Excise officers examined at the port of entry the French film Les Valseuses; 267W and, if not, whether he will now direct them to exercise their power under the Customs Consolidation Act to seize this film as an indecent article.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe film was not selected for examination by Customs and Excise officers at importation and Customs have no information at present which would cause them to believe that it fell within the import prohibition.
§ Mr. Alisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in the Customs and Excise service are available to be employed on scrutinising foreign films imports; how many are so employed on a regular basis; and approximately how many films passed through the hands of each officer in the latest convenient 12 month period.
§ Mr. Robert Sheldon:Importations of foreign films are dealt with by staff of Customs examination stations as part of their general duties in connection with the clearance of imports and exports. No Customs staff are exclusively engaged in the examination of imported films and no figures can be given of the number of films passing through the hands of particular officers.