§ 62. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now obtained information as to the acquisition of control of the Gaumont-British Company by American interests; and whether he is satisfied that the formation of a holding company, whose shares will be held as to two-thirds by American interests and one-third by British interests, will ensure that the control will remain in British hands?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKFull details of this transaction which, I understand, was carried out in the United States are not yet available. Accordingly, I am not at present in a position to confirm or deny the statement in the Press that British control will be maintained.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSWill an endeavour be made to keep this important means of propaganda within the control of the British Parliament?
§ Mr. DAYWill the Minister consider asking his right hon. Friend to refer this matter to the committee which is investigating the amendment of the Cinema Films Act, 1927?
Vice-Admiral TAYLORIs it not a fact that American interests are taking definite steps to obtain control of the British film industry?
§ 64. Mr. J. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has been notified of the amalgamation of important American and British film distributors; and is he satisfied that this control of British films by an American company will not involve breaches of the Cinematograph Films Act?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI assume that the hon. Member refers to the recent transactions connected with the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation of which notices have appeared in the Press. Pending the receipt of further information, I cannot express an opinion whether these transactions involve any infringement of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927.
§ Mr. DAYWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman represent to his right hon. Friend that this question should be referred to the committee which is investigating the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKUntil we have further information it is difficult to make any categorical statement as to what should be done.