HC Deb 15 April 1926 vol 194 cc464-5
36. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the Stationery Office requires a cinematograph staff; what functions it fulfils; and whether, in view of the need for economy, he will consider bringing this service to an end?

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

The temporary cinematograph staff which, for reasons of administrative convenience, is attached to the Stationery Office, is concerned with the storage and preservation of films (of which a large number are for a variety of purposes in the possession of Departments), precautions against fire and deterioration and the making of copies, assistance in connexion with import ditties, leasing out Government films for which there is a public demand, and advising on contracts, questions of copyright, etc. I do not think that at present A would be an economy to dispense with this small staff in which a large volume of necessary work is centralised.

Mr. PENNY

Could not some of these films be exhibited to hon. Members?

Mr. WELLS

Are these films all of British production?

Mr. McNEILL

I must have notice of that question.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is not one of the functions of this Department to arrange for the taking of public films of ceremonies and so forth, and does not payment accrue; and in that case is there not an actual profit?

Mr. McNEILL

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to put down that question.