§ 20. Sir J. Jarvisasked 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 Dugdaleasked 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. GriggHitherto 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 1748 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. JarvisCan 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. GriggI 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. StokesCan the right hon. Gentleman give the nature of the arrangements made with the trade; is there any payment or compensation involved?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir.