§ 34. Mr. DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will state the number of films that have been made by the Empire Marketing Board; whether there are any films at present in the making; the name of the cinema officer who is employed at the Empire Marketing Board for the supervision of these films; what previous experience this officer has had in the actual production of cinematograph films, and the amount of the percentage of net profits paid to this officer in addition to his salary of £1,200 per annum on any films made under his direct supervision?
§ Mr. LUNNThe Empire Marketing Board have completed some 17 films of varying lengths, many of them edited from existing material placed at their disposal, and further films are now in course of preparation. As regards the name of the Board's Cinema Officer, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 5th March. The officer in question had no previous experience in the actual production of films. In the event of net profits being secured upon films made under his direct supervision, he would be entitled to a percentage of 5 per cent. up to a maximum payment of £3,000 in any one year.
§ Mr. DAYDoes my hon. Friend not think that for this very large salary a very highly experienced and technical man could be engaged instead of one without any experience in production at all?
§ Miss WILKINSONIs it not a fact that the recent film produced by the Empire Marketing Board has been described by the criticis as being of the highest standard of any British film which has been produced?
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBCan the hon. Gentleman say whether any films are being made of industries in this country?
§ Mr. LUNNThat matter is under consideration now by the Films Committee of the Empire Marketing Board, and I have good reason to believe that steps will be taken to produce suitable films in that direction.