HC Deb 15 December 1942 vol 385 cc1747-8
20. Sir J. Jarvis

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state that the restrictions upon showing films to the troops, within two miles of a cinema, have been with drawn?

21. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the showing of films to troops stationed within two miles of a public cinema?

Sir J. Grigg

Hitherto the Army has not as a general rule been able to show films within two miles of a public cinema. In special cases exceptions were of course made. I am glad to say that arrangements have now been made with the trade which abolish the limit for all films twelve months after their general release. This will result in a considerable and valuable increase in the cinema entertainment available for the Army, and I should like to express my appreciation of the readiness of the trade to help the Army in this way.

Sir J. Jarvis

Can my right hon. Friend say whether generally operating sets will be provided quickly so that advantage can be taken of this very satisfactory arrangement?

Sir J. Grigg

I would rather like notice of that question, but we have a sufficient number of operating sets to meet the increase in the supply of films coming forward.

Mr. Stokes

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the nature of the arrangements made with the trade; is there any payment or compensation involved?

Sir J. Grigg

No, Sir.