HC Deb 10 November 1936 vol 317 cc669-70
19. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to foreign methods of control, independent exhibitors are being faced with either taking bad British films made under foreign auspices or with the alternative of prosecution by his Department for failure to comply with the quota; and what steps he is taking to prevent the quota system operating to the prejudice of the British film industry.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As my hon. and gallant Friend is probably aware, a Departmental Committee is at present inquiring into the position of British films. I have no doubt that the Committee will give full consideration to the difficulty which is stated to exist on the part of certain exhibitors in obtaining an adequate supply of good British films.

Mr. DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Committee hopes to report?

20. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he contemplates an early report from the film quota committee on the question of cheap films made by foreign interests in this country to comply with the quota and which by their inferiority injure other British producers?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I understand that the Departmental Committee which I appointed to consider the position of British films have completed the hearing of evidence, and that they are now considering the terms of their report.