Written question asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Rawlings (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2012.

Film: Classification and Censorship

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they propose to replace the role of local authorities in appeals against British Board of Film Classification decisions; and whether there has been a regulatory impact assessment undertaken on the costs of such an appeal mechanism and the potential impact on film distributors and cinema exhibitors if the release of a film is delayed as the result of such an appeal.

Answer: The current system does not provide a formal mechanism against which classification recommendations made by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) can be appealed. Any challenges to, or representation about, the BBFC’s recommendations need to be made direct to the BBFC. Under the Licensing Act 2003, local authorities are currently required to ensure that the exhibition of films is undertaken in line with age restrictions set by either (a) according to a recommendation made by the BBFC or (b) classifications made by that authority. This allows the local licensing authority to take local sensitivities into account, as well as enabling the classification for exhibition of films that are not intended for national distribution. The consultation explains that the Government have no plans to change this arrangement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16868; 736 c448WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Appeals Film Local government Video recordings Classification schemes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk