§ 44. Mr. P. A. HARRISasked the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury whether the Ministry of Information have bought a number of motor cars for giving cinematograph displays; if so, how many of these cars are being used for this purpose; what is the cost of the same and what is the staff employed thereon; and whether he can state the working expenses per car per week?
Captain GUEST (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)The Ministry of Information owns ten motor-cars for giving cinematograph displays. These cars were purchased by the former Department 1284 of Information for use in Russia, at a cost of £13,000, inclusive of all necessary mechanism. The staff employed per car consists of a soldier driver and a soldier operator, both of a low military grade. The working expenses per car per week are approximately £14, exclusive of the hire of films. Since there is no present opportunity for their use in Russia, the cars have been lent to the War Aims Committee and. are under the control of their lecturers. I may add that they have been an immense success.
§ Mr. HARRISCould not these cars be used at the present time to greater advantage at the War overseas?