§ 5. Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the possibility in the near future of all the principal film-producing companies in this country passing into American hands; and what action he is taking in the matter?
§ Dr. BurginI have received no information regarding the possibility referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. ManderWill the hon. Gentleman be good enough to make some inquiries, because there is a real possibility of the four principal companies in this country passing into American hands?
§ Dr. BurginThat is not in accordance with my information.
§ Mr. StephenIs the hon. Gentleman aware that American films are very much better than the British?
§ Dr. BurginThe Minister is very well informed about the British film industry.
§ 14. Mr. Dayasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received the observations from the trade organisations on the report on the Cinema Films Act; and, in view of the present unsettled state of the cinema industry, will he give particulars of when it is proposed to introduce legislation to amend the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927?
§ Dr. BurginObservations on the report of the Departmental Committee on Films have been received from the various 971 sections of the industry and are being considered. I understand that further observations may be expected. As regards the last part of the question, I am unable to add anything to the answer which I gave on 8th December to the hon. Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine).
§ Mr. DayIs the Minister aware that the delay in the decision of the Government upon this very urgent matter is causing ruin to many of the British film-producing companies; and will he try to facilitate the decision of the Government?
§ Dr. BurginI am not aware of anything of the sort, but I am aware that the different sections of the film industry have different views on every topic.
§ Mr. DayHas the hon. Gentleman noticed lately that many of the film-producing companies have been going into liquidation?