§ 8. Mr. J. BECKETTasked the Secretary of State for War whether any facilities were given or troops lent for the production of the film Ypres; and, if so, what nature these facilities took and the number of troops provided?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)Troops to the number of about 820 all ranks took part in scenes for the Ypres film, under the conditions which are explained in the answer to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut. -Commander Kenworthy). For the purposes of this film, the company was also supplied with some articles of military equipment and stores on repayment, and was allowed to take a picture of the normal military life at one of the principal stations.
§ Mr. BECKETTCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the total cost?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt cost nothing so far as public funds are concerned.
§ Mr. W. THORNEAre the soldiers in question getting any commission?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe company taking the films were required to pay the commanding officers for distribution among the men at least as much as would have been paid to civilians had civilians appeared in the films.
§ Mr. THURTLEWould the right hon. Gentleman say what advantage the War Office expects to derive from lending troops for this purpose?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is desirable that the public should be allowed to see films of military life, and, if that be desirable, we think it better 2166 that the soldiers themselves should take part in the films.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this company obtains a very large rental from these films, and that the War Office are doing away with a substantial asset?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, Sir.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether the officers belonging to the regiments get the bulk of the money or the rank and file of the soldiers?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo; it is all distributed among the rank and file.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the usual fee is two guineas a day for people engaged in these films, and did the soldiers receive that money?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo; I think that depends upon the part taken.