§ 60. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the potential educative value of moving pictures; whether under these circumstances he is prepared to consider the official production of educative films and films intended as national and Imperial propaganda; and whether, in order to encourage the production of such films at all cinemas, he is prepared to remit or reduce the Entertainments Tax in the case of cinema houses that undertook to exhibit these films for a specified time at every performance?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative, and I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing the thanks of the Government for the assistance which the cinematograph trade has already given in this connection. As regards the last part of the question, I can only say that the proposed concession would require an amendment of the law, and that no opportunity for its consideration will arise until the next Budget.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman states that he wishes to express his thanks to these houses for value received, will he not express it in some more material way?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already given a full statement on that question, but I sincerely hope and believe that the services of these gentlemen have been given for other than monetary reasons?
§ Mr. BILLINGIf these houses exhibit Government films, is it proposed to impose:the tax upon people coming to see them?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI sincerely hope that their exhibition is more likely to increase:than to diminish the receipts.