§ 25. Mr. Granvilleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make a statement on the steps he proposes to take to reorganise the film industry on a sound basis to enable it to play its full part in propaganda and information in support of the war effort?
§ Mr. LytteltonI cannot at present add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for East Islington (Miss Cazalet) on 18th March last.
§ Mr. GranvilleWill my right hon. Friend take into consideration that the Nazis consider films to be an important part of propaganda in total war, and is he aware that the industry in this country is anxious and ready to put the British war effort on the screens of the world? Will 339 he, as far as his Department is concerned, expedite plans to make this possible?
§ Mr. LytteltonYes, Sir, I am aware of the importance of the film industry. I think it will be found possible to maintain British film production at a level sufficient to enable renters and exhibitors to conform in general with the quota requirements, and this would also carry with it the possibility of producing the propaganda films which the hon. Gentleman mentions
§ Mr. GranvilleIs my right hon. Friend aware that the great Continent of America is ready and anxious to show films of the British war effort, and that under the present organisation it is not possible for the industry to produce them without the help of his Department?
§ Mr. LytteltonI do not admit that.
§ Sir Percy HarrisIs there in the Department anybody who really understands the intricacies and difficulties of this trade to advise my right hon. Friend?
§ Mr. LytteltonYes, Sir.