asked the Minister for Justice if he will state for what reasons the Gárda Síochána took possession, on Monday, 17th December, of the film of the Duke of Kent's royal wedding, which was being shown at the Theatre, Kilkenny, and if he will state upon whose instructions and for what reason the Gárda failed to return it to the management for showing on the night of Wednesday, 19th December.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Custody of Film.
The film referred to was kept in the Gárda barracks for safe custody. The manager of the cinema informed the local superintendent that he did not intend to show the film in public, but only privately to friends. The manager sent for the film rather late on the evening of the 19th December and was unable to obtain it, as the sergeant who had charge of the film was absent on patrol, having taken with him the key of the press in which it had been deposited.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether he is aware than on Sunday night, 9th December last, the Ballinrobe Central Cinema proprietor informed the audience that at the request of the Superintendent of the Gárda Síochána the picture of the Duke of Kent's royal wedding would not be shown, and if he will state upon whose instructions the Superintendent took this action, and what was the reason therefor.
In this case the Superintendent, on his own initiative, suggested to the manager of the cinema that in the interests of the peace of the district it might be better not to show the film in question. The manager agreed with the Superintendent and did not show the film.