§ 47. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a public appeal made by a number of prominent persons requesting him to institute an inquiry into the state of the British cinematograph film industry; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ 51. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the manifesto published on 20th June with regard to the film industry in this country; and whether, in view of the urgency of this question, he will cause a Committee to be set up without delay to inquire into the condition of the industry?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I have been asked to reply, and I will answer these questions together. I have received the communication to which the hon. Members refer. The Government appreciate fully the political, educational and industrial importance of the cinema film industry. The general facts as to its present position in this country are, I think, sufficiently well known, and the purpose which a Committee could most usefully serve would be the consideration of practical steps to improve that position. I understand, however, that discussions on that matter are proceeding amongst those interested in the industry from various points of view; and I think it would be better to defer the appointment of a Committee until those discussions have made further progress.