asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the desirability of bringing in legislation to deal with talking films, with the object of protecting the copyrights of British authors and composers from infringement by foreign producers and importing companies, requiring them to give proof of their license to incorporate British songs or music in their productions prior to the film being passed by the British Board of Film Censors?

I am advised that adequate statutory provision already exists in the Copyright Act, 1911, for the protection of British authors and composers against infringement of their copyrights by producers or importers of talking films, and, accordingly, the necessity for further action does not arise.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is compulsory for talking films to be registered as well as other films?

That matter does not arise out of the question.

Is there any reason why the censor of films should not examine the rights or licences of talking films that come into the country?

The censorship is not official, and there is no legal responsibility in the matter of talking films.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether talking films come under the same category as silent films?

If the hon. Member will put down a question, I shall be glad to give him a complete answer.