FILMS BILL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 17 November 1927, Page 8

FILMS BILL

FURTHER DISCUSSION IN COM MONS.

London. Nov. 16.

Resuming the debate on the Cinematograph Bill in tho House of Commons, Colonel Wedgwood moved an amendment to strike out the provision that the- quota of British films jnclude a proportion of long as well as short films. Ho contended that this would create a monopoly -for a few firms equipped to produce long films.

Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy (Labour Central Hull), complained of the Admiralty's extraordinary assistance in the production of several long films. Tho Mediterranean Fleet put to sea and carried out manoeuvres at a cost of many thousands sterling for filming. He said the whole thing was propaganda for militarism and war.

The amendment was rejected bv 225 to 142.

An amendment that on exhibitor show the registration date of each registered film, whether British or foreign, was rejected. Sir C. W. C. Oman (Conservative Oxford University) moved an amendment that tho license of a renter or exhibitor might be- revoked on tho third conviction for failure to comply with the qouta provisions. He argued that the amendment was designed to deal with wealthy and contumacious offenders. It was well known that the bill was opposed by wealthy proprietors and foreign companies. Sir P. Cunliffe-Lister (President of ehe Biard of Trade, thought it only fjir t« have the question to a free vote of the House. It was not power to be given lightly, because it might mean shutting up a man's btni ness.

Tue debate was adjourned.—(A. and N.Z.)