§ 21. Colonel DAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the film entitled "Falkland." in which the Admiralty is financially interested, has been booked by the producers before the film has been made; and whether, in giving facilities for such productions in future, he will make it a condition that the policy of the Board of Trade with respect to the blind booking of films is observed?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the hon. Member may be assured that the action and policy of my Department and the Board of Trade arc not, and will not be, in conflict.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentle man aware that the booking of these films before they are produced is entirely inconsistent with the policy advocated by the President of the Board of Trade?
§ Sir WALTER de FRECEDoes my right hon. Friend know of any legislation in existence at the present moment under which this blind booking could be stopped?
§ Colonel DAYMay I have a reply to Inv question as to whether the policy adopted in this case is not entirely inconsistent with the policy laid down by the President of the Board of Trade in his public utterances?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am not at all aware of that.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, as the Admiralty are financially interested in the profits, they also take any responsibility for the losses that may be incurred in connection with this film?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI should like to see that question on paper.