HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc1968-9
28. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Information whether, to counteract the view that so far as the exhibition of propaganda films is concerned, he is completely in the hands of the trade, he will insist that at least one propaganda film be shown at each performance; and whether, if he does not possess the power to enforce this, he will ask Parliament for it?

Mr. Cooper

The Ministry of Information have an agreement with the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association whereby one film of approximately five minutes' length is shown in each programme every week. This agreement has been satisfactorily carried out and there is not, therefore, any need to seek further powers in the matter.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the Minister call this industry's attention to the fact that the working classes of this country are not all idiots, as they seem to be depicted in some of the films?

Mr. Granville

Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that the cinema-going public will not pay to see propaganda films if they are called propaganda films?

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