§ 38 Lt.-Commander KENWORTHYasked (1) the Secretary of State for War what are the duties of the technical adviser on cinematography to the War Office; and how long has this post been in existence;
(2) the Financial Secretary for the Treasury whether he has knowledge of an 239 official known as the technical adviser on cinematography to His Majesty's Government; what salary does he receive; on what Vote does this salary appear; and what staff is allotted to this official?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)There is a technical adviser whose duty it is to assist Government Departments generally in questions relating to cinematography and to supervise the preservation and use of films in the possession of the Government. He was first engaged in October, 1915, by the Customs and Excise Department as a part-time expert adviser in connection with the import duty on films. Since that date he has served under various Departments, and his present appointment under the Stationery Office dates from 1st April, 1924. His salary, on a scale of £600-£800, plus cost of living bonus, is included in the Vote for Stationery and Printing. His staff consists of one operator and two women assistants.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHave the duties of this official been added to recently, and was he responsible for making the arrangements for filming the Locarno Pact ceremony?
§ Mr. McNEILLI cannot answer that without, notice. I have no knowledge.
§ Colonel DAYWhat previous experience has this technical adviser had of the film industry?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe hon. Member must put down a question.
§ Colonel DAYIs it not a fact that previous to his present position he was in the employ of the London County Council Fire Department?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not this official, besides being a technical expert, acting as a kind of liaison officer between the Government and the cinema industry?
§ Mr. McNEILLNot so far as I am aware.