§ 50. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state what sums of money, giving full details of percentages and profits in each case, have been received by, or are due to, the War Office from any film companies who have produced films using any materials or troops under the control of the War Office; and will he state the number of films that have been made or are at present in the making?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Commodore Douglas King)Military facilities have been granted in the case of six films which have already been completed, and are being given, or have been promised, in three other cases. In addition, three applications are under consideration. It would be contrary to the normal practice to give the details of the financial arrangements made with the companies concerned, but over £6,500 has been received up to date for credit to the public in respect of these films.
§ Colonel DAYIs the £6,500 in respect of the War Office films, or does it refer to the 12 films that have also been photographed under arrangements with the Admiralty as well as the War Office? Is there any reason why the House should not have the information which is asked for in the question?
§ Commodore KINGI am answering for the War Office only. I cannot reply for other Departments. With regard to the prices received, it is the custom not to disclose any financial arrangements of this kind between the War Office and its contractors.
§ Commodore KINGI should require notice of that question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the hon. and gallant Member answer this without divulging secrets: Is the payment a lump payment down after the film is passed, or is a royalty drawn depending on the box office receipts?
§ Commodore KINGAs I have explained on several occasions, in some cases a lump sum is paid down, and in some cases a percentage of the profits.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDSeeing that the production of these films is a comparatively recent event, how can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say that there is a custom? Surely there is no precedent for this thing?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a very general feeling that the War Office may not be getting enough money for this service, and if he will not disclose the figures how can the public be protected?
§ Commodore KINGThat is only a matter of opinion.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that the War Office are getting the full competitive price for the services rendered by the War Department in assisting in the production of the films?
§ Commodore KINGYes, Sir, the War Office are perfectly satisfied; otherwise, they would not have entered into the arrangement.