§ 52. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether be is aware that the trade committee formed to consider the question of British film production has been unable to arrive at any common ground of agreement; and whether, having regard to the importance of this subject to the Empire as a whole, he will take action without delay with the object of bringing the cinema industry in this country into line before the subject comes up for discussion with the representatives of the Overseas Dominions at the Imperial Conference?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I have not yet received the cinema industry's report; when I do, I shall take the earliest opportunity of considering what action I can take on it.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not far more important than a commercial proposition? Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman himself to give a lead to the trade to get them together before the Imperial Conference meets? If they do not, the opportunity may have passed till the next Conference meets.
§ Sir B. CHADWICKEvery conceivable encouragement has been given by the President of the Board of Trade to the various sections of this industry to come together on this very important matter. The importance of it is, I am sure, not lost on anybody concerned, but the President of the Board of Trade is not able to do more until the report of these meetings reaches him. He will then take such action as he thinks it necessary to take.
§ Colonel DAYIs not one reason for the delay the fact that the people engaged in the industry appreciate the fact that they cannot foist on the public something that the public do not want?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI bad better not enter into that.