HC Deb 27 May 1930 vol 239 cc994-5
62. Mr. DAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received satisfactory answers to the inquiries he made from British film producers for the purpose of furnishing a regular supply of British films for circulation throughout the West Indies; can he state whether the terms and conditions supplied to his Department have been forwarded to the various colonies; and can he give particulars of the colonies that have agreed to introduce legislation providing for the compulsory inclusion of a moderate quota of British films and cinematograph programmes?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)

The question of the supply of British films to the Colonies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories including the West Indies has recently been under consideration by the Colonial Films Committee, the report of which will be available in the course of the next few weeks, and I understand that the matter to which the hon. Member refers will be dealt with in the report. In regard to quota legislation, I have nothing to add to my reply to him of 14th May.

Mr. DAY

Did not the British film producers state in reply to inquiries whether they could rent films to our Colonies otherwise than selling them?

Dr. SHIELS

I am unable to trace exactly what the hon. Member means by those recommendations.

Mr. DAY

If I send the hon. Gentleman particulars of the inquiry, will he look into it?

Dr. SHIELS

I shall be delighted.