§ 17. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers have been employed with his permission to assist in the making of the so-called cinematograph war films; whether it is contemplated supplying more soldiers for further films in the future; and, if so, how many more of these films has it been arranged to make?
§ Commodore KINGI cannot give the figures asked for in the first part of the question without calling for returns from the Commands, and I hardly think the value of the information would justify the time and labour expended in preparing it. It is the Army Council's intention to continue to give assistance to British film companies in accordance with the policy, and subject to the conditions, explained by the Prime Minister in his answer to the hon. and gallant 2072 Member's question on the 29th November. There are at the present moment three films for which military facilities are being given or have been promised, and three other cases are under consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre the soldiers volunteers, or are they compelled to act for the films?
§ Commodore KINGIt is by arrangement between the units and the film companies.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre the officers and soldiers volunteers for this service, or do they have to do it?
§ Commodore KINGI understand that they are volunteers. There is no force used to make them take part.
§ Colonel DAYWill the hon. and gallant Member say whether the War Office participate in the huge profits that are made out of these films?
§ Commodore KINGThat question is answered in the answer to which I have referred. It is either a payment or a percentage in the shape of royalties.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. and gallant Member say whether the payment is a substantial one, or whether the property of the State is used for practically war propaganda?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYDoes it not go to British films and not to American films?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the Minister aware that the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) is always photographed in his uniform in his election campaigns, and does not that show that soldiers like to be photographed?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAre we to understand from the original answer that it is now the settled policy of the Government to continue with this war propaganda in films?
§ Commodore KINGIt is not war propaganda. It is instructional work in films.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that I have not worn my uniform at elections for nine years?