§ 35. Colonel DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, why Miss Dorothy Gish, a film actress, was ordered out of Hyde Park while being photographed for the British film "London"?
§ Captain HACKING (for The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)Although I have not been able to obtain any information as to this incident, it is the fact that the photographing of scenes in connection with film plays is not permitted in the Royal Parks.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that a permit was granted by the Office of Works, the First Commissioner, with the object of showing the world something typically British?
§ Captain HACKINGI know nothing about that.
Viscountess ASTORSeeing that it is the policy to increase British films, is it not a mistake not to use all places for them?
§ Captain HACKINGThe parks were instituted for different purposes.
§ Colonel DAYAs the hon. and gallant Member cannot find out anything against this matter, would he like to see Miss Dorothy Gish, and get her version?
§ Captain HACKINGAs a married man, I ought to have notice of- that question. Perhaps the hon. Member will submit a photograph to me in the first place.
64. Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will appoint a committee to consider and report as to the steps which might be taken to stimulate the manufacture of British films and to encourage their exhibition in this country and in the Dominions, and as to the possibility of securing revenue from the present unrestricted and untaxed presentation of foreign films?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)The question of the steps which should be taken to stimulate the manufacture and exhibition of Empire films is at present receiving the attention of the Imperial Conference. As regards the second object of the suggested in- 1530 quiry, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on the 2nd March, a copy of which I am sending to him.
Sir F. HALLWhat are the steps that are being considered? Is it not a fact that Australia and New Zealand allow British films to come in free of duty? Why cannot we adopt the same measure with regard to the importation of films from the Dominions?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKAs I have said the matter is now before the Imperial Conference. I cannot anticipate what may be decided.
Sir F. HALLIs it a fact or is it not that Australia and New Zealand give preference to British films and we do nothing at all on the same lines?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKMy answer is that the matter is being considered.
§ Mr. HARRISIs there reason why the Government should stimulate British films any more than British drama or British music or art?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.