HC Deb 24 July 1930 vol 241 cc2399-400
57. Mr. DAY

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, seeing that the films produced with the assistance of the personnel and material of the Admiralty, Army Council, and Air Council are controlled by a Government official in the employ of the Stationery Office, he can state whether this official is charged with making the financial arrangements on behalf of the various services with approved film companies; and can he give the House particulars of any films that have been made with Government material during the previous 12 months?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

As the answer is Tong I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. DAY

Can my hon. Friend tell me whether this officer is still in the employ of the Stationery Office cinematograph section?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The hon. Member had better await the answer.

Following is the answer:

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the duties of the official in question, who is a technical officer appointed to advise Government Departments on questions relating to cinematography and to supervise the preservation and use of films in the possession of the Government. He is not responsible for the making of any films which may be produced with the assistance of the personnel and material of the Admiralty, Army Council and Air Council; and the various Departments negotiate their own financial arrangements with the film companies, although they are free to avail themselves of this officer's advice in connection with such negotiations.

As regards the second part of the question, the Army Council have afforded facilities to film companies during the last 12 months in respect of two films, namely, "The Athlete," which included instructors at the Army School of Physical Training, Aldershot, carrying out certain exercises, and a film of riding exercises at the Equitation School, Weedon; and in a few cases Army bands and troops in course of training have been filmed with the consent of the Council. In addition, as I informed the hon. Member on 3rd July last, a film representing the Gallipoli Campaign is being produced with naval assistance.