Oral Answers to Questions — Film Censorship.

– in the House of Commons am ar 9 Mawrth 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give particulars of the films about which his Department was consulted by the British Board of Film Censors during the last two years; and whether the advice tendered was accepted?

Photo of Mr Samuel Hoare Mr Samuel Hoare , Chelsea

It would not be right that persons or organisations asking for advice or information from my Department should be liable to have their communications made public, but I may say that the two cases in which this board has consulted the Home Office in the last two years were in no way connected with a political issue.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the question of promoting legislation to prevent the political censorship of films now exercised by the British Board of Film Censors in view of its action in refusing permission for, or insisting on cuts in, the March of Time films, Arms and the League, Threat to Gibraltar, Crisis in Algeria, as well as such films as Inside Nazi Germany, Nazi Conquest No. 1—Austria, Croix de Feu, Spanish Earth, and Britain and Peace; and the fact that this censorship has been exercised on political grounds invariably contrary to the views held by His Majesty's Opposition and favourable to the views held by His Majesty's Government?

Photo of Mr Samuel Hoare Mr Samuel Hoare , Chelsea

No, Sir. As I have stated in reply to previous questions by the hon. Member, I am unable to accept his view that the British Board of Film Censors exercises a political censorship. Moreover, the judgment of the board is not final, and it is open to the local authorities to allow a film which has been rejected by the board in whole or in part.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

If I am able to produce evidence tending to show that this political censorship docs, in fact, exist will the Home Secretary be good enough to give consideration to it?

Photo of Mr Samuel Hoare Mr Samuel Hoare , Chelsea

I will certainly consider any information which the hon. Member gives me, but whether or not I then have any responsibility in the matter I will judge for myself.

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether such political censorship is not indirectly exercised by officials of the Conservative Central Office?

Photo of Mr Charles Williams Mr Charles Williams , Torquay

Is it true that censorship is not exercised by the leaders of the Labour party?

Photo of Mr Harry Day Mr Harry Day , Southwark Central

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has not had any topical films referred to his Department in connection with the censorship?

Photo of Mr Samuel Hoare Mr Samuel Hoare , Chelsea

I have just said that I am not prepared to give details of the two cases in which I have been consulted.