HC Deb 06 May 1929 vol 227 cc1941-2
18. Mr. DAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the number of applications that have been granted by his Department for cinematograph pictures to be taken in the Royal parks and the various public buildings in charge of the Office of Works for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)

No exact record is kept of the grant of permits to take cinematograph pictures, but it is estimated that about 200 such permits have been granted by the Department in the course of the past 12 months.

Mr. DAY

Is an easier attitude being taken by the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department towards the making of British films in our parks and buildings, and are facilities now being granted?

Sir V. HENDERSON

I do not know what the hon. Member means. The rules are exactly the same.

Mr. DAY

Then are we to understand that there has been no alteration of the rules for the last four or five years, under which the taking of British films has not been allowed in the parks, in any circumstances?

Sir V. HENDERSON

The taking of films is allowed, provided that it does not interfere with the enjoyment of the public and does not involve actual posing in the parks.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

As we have the most beautiful parks of any capital in the world, is there any reason why, in order to make the attractions of our country better known, films should not be made before London is up, in the early hours of the summer mornings?

Sir V. HENDERSON

Films are frequently taken in that way.