HC Deb 30 June 1925 vol 185 cc2196-7
19. Sir ALFRED BUTT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that upon the arrival of the "Berengaria" at Southampton on Wednesday last a detachment of the Hampshire Heavy Artillery Territorials and a band were employed to act as a guard of honour and play "The British Grenadiers" in order to welcome an American who brought over a film to this country; that later the band and 50 of the soldiers accompanied the American and his film to London and escorted the film through the crowded streets to Wardour Street, Soho; and will he state whether this is permissible under the Army Regulations and take steps to prevent a recurrence of the possibility of any portion of His Majesty's Forces being used to advertise the importation of American films into this country?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made yesterday in answer to questions by the hon. Members for Cardiff South (Captain A Evans) and Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood).

Major HORE-BELISHA

Can the right hon. Gentleman now answer the question I put to him yesterday in regard to the film which was actually escorted, as to whether the Government have any power to prevent it being shown on the screen?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

That does not arise out of the question. I am asked about a totally different film.

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