HC Deb 07 December 1926 vol 200 cc1873-4
1. Colonel DAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken by his Department with a view to the effective organisation for producing and distributing Empire films?

6. Mr. WELLS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is able to state the policy he proposes to adopt for the encouragement of the production of British films, in view of the importance attached to this question by the Imperial Conference?

8. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has anything to report with regard to the inclusion of a proportion of British-made films to be shown throughout the cinemas of this country?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

I will answer these questions together. The whole subject of Empire film production and showing is receiving careful consideration, but, as I informed the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) yesterday, I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what encouragement or protection will be given to the producers of these Empire films?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

That is asking the same question in another way. When His Majesty's Government are prepared to make an announcement on the subject, I will, of course, make it.

Mr. WELLS

Is it proposed to introduce legislation shortly to deal with this matter?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think my hon. Friend will agree that that, again, is asking the same question in yet another way.