HC Deb 22 March 1927 vol 204 c178
10. Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of capital invested in the business of producing and exhibiting cinematograph films in Great Britain, respectively?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am unable to supply any precise data of the kind asked for. Estimates made by various sections of the trade as to the capital invested in the exhibition side of the industry vary from £30,000,000 to £50,000,000. I should hesitate to give a reliable estimate of the capital employed in production: but I should think that at the present time it does not exceed £4,000,000.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it has increased since his first pronouncement as to the introduction of the Cinematograph Films Bill?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I cannot say that, but I have no doubt that it will increase.