HC Deb 21 December 1925 vol 189 cc1958-9
94. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the foreign rights of the Locarno film were ceded to Mr. William Randolph Hearst's organisation, the International Film Company; and what price was paid for the privilege?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

The foreign rights of exhibition of the film taken at the signing of the Locarno Treaties were included in the contract made with the British company to whom the distribution of the film was entrusted with the understanding that adequate, presentation and publicity should be obtained for the film in the U.S.A. as well as in other foreign countries The second part of the question does not arise.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this organisation in America has always been very anti-British? Is it not bad policy that an organisation of that kind should have the exclusive rights in this film?

Mr. McNEILL

The hon. and gallant Member will see from my answer that the Government have nothing whatever to do with that.

Colonel DAY

Who had the granting of these rights, as they were given to one firm?

Mr. McNEILL

I have already said that it was in the hands of the British company who got the contract for distribution.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the second part of my question does not arise? Has he any information as to how much was paid for the film and how much the Government will gain or lose by the transaction?

Mr. McNEILL

That does not arise. I gave figures the other day of what was paid by the distributing company. There is no separate figure for the distribution of the film.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Has the right hon. Gentleman any means of knowing whether the Gaumont Company made a profit by selling this film to the Hearst organisation?

Mr. McNEILL

I do not in fact know, and I do not know whether there are any means of ascertaining.

Colonel DAY

Who gave the rights to the Gaumont Company?

Mr. McNEILL

I answered that question last week. A contract was made between His Majesty's Government and the Gaumont Company.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to inquire how much was paid to the Gaumont Company by the Hearst Company, and let the House of Commons have the facts?

Mr. McNEILL

I cannot pledge myself, because I do not know whether there are any means of finding out.