§ If it is proved to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Customs find Excise as respects any imported negative cinematograph film, whether developed or undeveloped, that the production of the film was organised by persons whose chief or only place of business was in the United Kingdom, and that the producer or the film and the principal actors and artists employed for the production thereof were British subjects and domiciled in the United Kingdom, that film shall, subject to compliance with such conditions as the Commissioners may by regulation prescribe, be treated for the purpose of the duties charged on imported cinematograph films by Section twelve of the Finance (No. 2) Act. 1915.as being blank film.—[Sir R. Horne.]
§ Brought up, and read the First time.
§ Sir R. HORNEI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."
This Clause is one dealing with the film industry in this country. Its intention is to provide that, where British actors or actresses go abroad for the purpose of 1273 the production of a film, when the film is brought; to this country it should be treated, for the purposes of duty, as a blink film.
§ Sir G. COLLINSIf I recollect aright, the Chancellor of the Exchequer undertook to insert this Clause on the representation of an hon. Member. I thank my right hon. Friend for inserting this Clause, and beg to ask whether it will cover the case of cinematograph films taken on the Everest Expedition. The matter has excited interest in all quarters of the House.
§ Sir R. HORNEThis Clause will, I understand, cover that.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.