HC Deb 10 April 1940 vol 359 cc586-7W
Mr. Joel

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any cinemas showing British films which are available to officers and men of the British Expeditionary Force in the various base towns of the British area in France; and whether these cinemas are open on Sunday as in London and certain English provincial towns?

Sir E. Grigg

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The local cinemas are not as a rule open to the troops on Sundays because of the needs of the civil population, but, where there are mobile cinemas, Sunday performances are given. It is proposed to arrange at a later date for cinemas to be rented at base towns for the sole use of the British Expeditionary Force, as is being done in the forward areas, and these cinemas will then be open to the troops on Sundays.

Mr. Joel

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can provide a list of the films which have been supplied for the entertainment of the British Expeditionary Force in France since the despatch of that Force, indicating in each case the date on which that film was generally released in England and Wales?

Mr. Stanley

I am sending my hon. Friend the list, which is a long one.