HC Deb 05 March 1936 vol 309 cc1560-1
58. Mr. MONTAGUE

asked the Minister of Health how far his Department has been responsible for the production of the documentary film on housing recently shown to Members of Parliament and others; and whether and, if so, how much public money has been spent upon this National Government propaganda crusade?

Sir K. WOOD

My Department has had no responsibility for the production of the housing film to which the hon. Member refers, and no public money has been spent on it.

Mr. SILVERMAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the complacent optimism of the film represents the view of his Department?

Sir K. WOOD

It shows great progress and an intending endeavour to make still more progress.

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain, in that case, how it is that the promoters of the film indicated that it was produced with the approval of the Minister of Health, and will he tell us of the circumstances whereby public money is used for Government propaganda?

Sir K. WOOD

That was not the question I was asked. The film was produced with my full encouragement, such as I would be glad to give to any other film which would help our housing programme.