§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the certification by the British Board of Film Classification of the recent video showing deaths by execution; and if he will make a statement. [31725]
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerMy right hon. and learned Friend has received two letters from members of the public concerned that the video "Executions" has received a certificate from the British Board of Film Classification.
The Government are aware of the public concern about this film. However, the British Board of Film Classification is an independent body and the Government have no powers to influence its classification decisions. Before awarding a classification certificate, the BBFC is required to take into account any harm which a video work might cause through the manner in which the work deals with, among other things, violent or horrific behaviour or incidents. I understand that this particular work was viewed by the full board of the BBFC, who concluded that it was appropriate to grant it an "18" certificate.