§ 1. Viscount SANDONasked the President of the Board of Trade when he intends introducing legislation to deal with both blind-booking and block-booking of films, and whether he intends setting a time limit to his negotiations with, the film trade?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I would refer my lion. Friend to my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy) on 13th July, a copy of which I am sending him.
§ Viscount SANDONCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long this industry, disunited as it is, is to be allowed to play about with this subject?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is not a case of being allowed to play about; it is a case of the industry getting together.
§ Viscount SANDONWill the right hon. Gentleman loan them some members of the Liberal party, to teach them how to unite?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am afraid I cannot do that.
§ Colonel DAYCan the Minister say whether he has had a reply from the other two sections of the trade?
§ sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, I have not. I am very anxious to get it as soon as possible.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHow long are we to be allowed to say what we like?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERWell, probably even the right hon. Gentleman would like to see British films, but it would not stop him saying what he likes. I think even he would like to see the British film industry helped.