HC Deb 09 March 1926 vol 192 cc2073-4
11. Colonel DAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount and value of American films imported into this country during the year 1925, together with the amount in linear feet, and value for the year 1924?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

As the answer contains a table of figures, I propose, with the concurrence of the hon. Member, to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Description of Film. 1924. 1925.
Quantity Imported. Declared Value. Quantity Imported. Declared Value.
Linear ft. £ Linear ft. £
Blank film … … … 13,973,794 78,190 44,544,126 159,027
Positives … … … 22,768,388 168,026 29,178,998 163,611
Negatives … … … 4,018,217 598,864 6,310,053 608,550
13. Sir FRANK MEYER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any Clause in any commercial treaty between this country and any foreign country which would prevent the imposition of an import duty on foreign films imported into this country based upon their exhibition value as distinct from the value of the material of which they are composed?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

There is no treaty impediment to the imposition of an import duty on foreign films on any basis whatever, provided that it is such that the amount of duty leviable is definitely ascertainable at the time of importation.

14. Sir F. MEYER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any Clause in any treaty between this country and the United States of America which would preclude the imposition of a tax on films imported from the United States of America based on the hiring fees charged for their exhibition in this country?

Colonel DAY

As Great Britain is one of the largest importers of these films, will he say what step is contemplated by the Government to safeguard British interests?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

That is not the question which the hon. and gallant Gentleman asked. He asked for a table of figures, which, as I have said, I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the table of figures promised:

The following statement shows the quantity and value of the various descriptions of cinematograph films imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland and registered as consigned from the United States during the years in question:

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The answer is in the negative.