§ 1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now received a deputation on behalf of the British cinematograph film industry; what was the result of the deputation; and whether 218 he can announce any proposed steps by His Majesty s' Government for assisting this industry?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)Representations from various interests concerned in the film and cinema industries have been made to my Department, and I have received a deputation arranged by the Federation of British Industries. Various tentative proposals wore suggested and discussed. The deputation expressed their intention of going further into the questions raised, with the interests concerned. I have also arranged to meet representatives of the cinema exhibitors next week.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the right hon. Gentleman received any deputation from the producers—the manufacturers of films?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think not. I do not think they were directly represented on the deputations which I received, but various suggestions have been put forward from time to time.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for what he has done, but I should like to know if he would be prepared to receive a deputation from the manufacturers themselves?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, certainly. I would be prepared to see any section of the industry. Obviously, if any proposals are ultimately to be evolved, they must as far as possible be proposals in which all interests concur.