§ 101. Mr. W. Fletcherasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the extension of the film making activities of Mr. Arthur Rank and his associated companies he will take steps to ensure that small exhibitors not connected with Mr. Rank get a fair share of these films at equitable rates and with priority as to time of showing.
§ Sir S. CrippsI have been in consultation with the British film producers, and steps are being taken to restore to them as fast as possible the maximum amount of film studio space with the necessary complement of skilled manpower and studio equipment. By this means, I hope that more British films will become available to all exhibitors, large as well as small. I would also refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 7th November to the hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Reeves). It is not proposed at present to control film rentals or to interfere with the booking of British films to the cinemas.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that his reply 1918 does not in any way cover the point made in the Question and that it means that the small produce is left in the hands of the trusts, who are not so much their friends as the answer appears to make out?