§ 28. Mr. REMERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation is an American-controlled corporation; and can he state why in these circumstances he has requested two members of this corporation to accept a further term of office as members of the advisory committee under the Act of 1927?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)The information available at that date in regard to the holding of the shares of the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation Limited, was given in reply to a question by my hon. Friend on 21st April last year. I have no information of any substantial change in the position since then and the second part of the question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. REMERHas the hon. Gentleman seen the statement by the Chase Securities Corporation, which shows conclusively that this Corporation is controlled by the Fox Film Corporation of America?
§ Dr. BURGINI do not know whether that statement has been seen by my right hon. Friend, but I will certainly tell him of the hon. Member's observation. I think the word "conclusively" is a little strong.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESWill the hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the financial holdings of this company in order to dispel the doubts that there seems to be about it?
§ Mr. GRANVILLEIs it not a fact that the enormous improvement in quality and the rapid advancement of British pictures is due largely to the activities of this corporation in the last few years?
§ Dr. BURGINThe corporation is, of course, extremely well known and has done valuable work. I will certainly make inquiries. In April of last year a long statement was published in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving the holdings, and I am not aware that there has been any change since that time. I will make inquiries, and I will look at the source the hon. Member has referred to.