§ 33. Mr. DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the total sum spent by the Empire Marketing 1284 Board for the production of cinematograph films during the current financial year; and in what manner and by whom the selection is made of the subjects that are filmed?
§ Mr. LUNNThe, total sum spent from the Empire Marketing Fund in the current financial year for the production of cinematograph films is £353 14s. Against that expenditure must be set a receipt of £164 0s. 5d., being the Board's share of the rentals of a film produced on their behalf. The net expenditure on film production in the current financial year is therefore £189 13s. 7d. As regards the second part of the question, the subject matter appropriate for the Board's films is discussed by the Board's film Committee in the first instance. The subjects so recommended are then discussed and approved by the Board.
§ Mr. DAYDoes the figure which my hon. Friend has given include a portion of the salary of the cinematograph officer who was engaged in producing these films?
§ Mr. LUNNI have given the sum which, since the 31st March, has been expended on the production of cinematograph films, but I cannot say whether or not it embraces the item to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. DAYDid not my hon. Friend lead the House to believe that a sum of over £2,000 per annum was to be paid to the cinematograph officer in charge of these films, and has that been taken into consideration?
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that that is far too little money to spend for this purpose, and does he not realise that cinema propaganda is the best kind of propaganda for the Empire?
§ Mr. LUNNIt is no doubt very good propaganda. The Empire Marketing Board is only beginning to undertake the production of films, and it is willing to extend its operations considerably.
Sir N. STEWART SANDEMANCan the hon. Gentleman say whether these films are made by British companies in British machines?
§ Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELDoes the hon. Gentleman share in the condemnation implied in the question of the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day)?