HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc736-7
37. Mr. Day

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, although the Films Act, 1938, has been in force for nine months, there has been no noticeable benefit to the volume and value of British studios output; and, in view of this, will he consider the appointment of a departmental committee to examine the position arid prospects caused by this Act, for the purpose of introducing amending legislation to remedy the present situation?

Mr. Stanley

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for South Paddington (Vice-Admiral Taylor) on 20th December. The Cinematograph Films Act provides means for adjusting the quotas from time to time to meet changing circumstances and the Cinematograph Films Council have the matter now under consideration.

Mr. Day

Is the Minister aware that the only increase of any kind since the passage of this Act has been an increase of unemployment in the film studios, and will he see that something is done to remedy that?

Mr. Stanley

I have said that the Act itself provides for the quotas being increased, and that matter is now under consideration by the Films Council.

Mr. Day

Does it provide also for the making of films?

Mr. Stanley

It has also provided for the making of good films during the past year.

63. Mr. T. Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that American interests have curtailed production so that instead of 500 films being imported into this country annually only about 350 will arrive in future, which means still less British films unless the quota is increased; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?

Mr. Stanley

I am aware that there has been a decrease in the present renters' quota year in the number of films imported from the United States, but I have no evidence to show that production in that country is being curtailed as a permanent policy. The renters' quota on long films increases from 15 per cent. to 20 per cent. as from the beginning of April next, and I have recently asked the Cinematograph Films Council to consider the quota position in subsequent years.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the increased anxiety among those whose living depends on the production of British films, and, in view of that, will he expedite the decision in regard to British films?

Mr. Stanley

I know that the Films Council are considering it as a matter of urgency. The hon. Member will realise that one of the reasons for the reduction has been the small number of films imported from America owing to the great falling off in production in Hollywood.