§ 19. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that there have been restrictions on the taking of films of the British Forces in France and Flanders which have hampered their propaganda value to the Ministry of Information; and whether film units can be so organised that the latitude which appears to be allowed them in the German Army can be counteracted by British films?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Harold Nicolson)I am aware that complaints have been made of restrictions on the activities of Film Units in France and Flanders. I attach considerable importance to the production of films depicting our national effort and I am in close touch with the Service Departments with a view to their providing the maximum facilities consistent with national interests.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageWould it be too much to say that there were no films 845 taken of this epic feat of the evacuation of Dunkirk, and also can the Minister tell us whether in the operations at present going on in Egypt the matter of films will receive consideration?
§ Mr. NicolsonI understand there were no films taken, and I can give my hon. and gallant Friend the assurance for which he asks.
Mr. Graham WhiteIs the Minister aware that very effective films were made by German film units and that they have been displayed all over the Balkans depicting the defeat and evacuation of the British Army?