HC Deb 27 April 1936 vol 311 cc545-6
30. Mr. DAY

asked the Postmaster-General which of the films that passed to him from the Empire Marketing Board on 1st October, 1933, are being operated by his Department or under his control; whether any contracts for these films are in existence with any cinematograph theatres or for exhibition elsewhere; and will he state whether payment is received by his Department for any non-theatre

Mr. ELLIOT

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The figures for the month of September are as follows:

bookings, either in this country or for exhibition in Canada, and give particulars of the loss that has been made on the production and exhibition of these films?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Major Tryon)

A number of completed films and a certain amount of incomplete material passed to the Post Office from the Empire Marketing Board. The board had granted to commercial distribution companies contracts, which still run, for the theatrical rights throughout the world in respect of nine films, and the Post Office has since made contracts in respect of the theatrical rights of five films, made up mainly from material taken over from the board. No payment is asked or received by the Post Office for non-theatrical bookings among schools, colleges, clubs and societies in this country or overseas except in such few cases as may fall under these contracts. It is not practicable to assess results in terms of profit and loss.

Mr. DAY

Have rights been disposed of in the Dominions and Colonies for these films?

Major TRYON

The hon. Member's question on the Paper already involves four separate questions. If he wishes to raise a further question, perhaps he will put it down.

Mr. DAY

Is it not the case that my supplementary question relates to a point which has not been fully answered?