HC Deb 18 March 1942 vol 378 cc1490-1
17. Mr. Price

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that, owing to the booking up of private cinemas months ahead with Hollywood films, the facilities for showing the best Russian films are inadequate; and whether he will consider using the Ministry's projectors for supplementing the showing of these Russian films?

Mr. Bracken

The Ministry of Information are already showing the best Russian short films to a large audience in various ways. Their programmes are, however, too short to make it possible to include feature films; but I have no evidence that facilities for showing such films in commercial theatres are inadequate.

Mr. Price

Does not my right hon. Friend know that in many towns and cities the cinemas are booked up with Hollywood films and that there is nowhere where Russian films can be shown?

Mr. Bracken

The hon. Gentleman's question is a useful one, and I will draw the attention of the film trade to what he says, but I have no power in the matter.