§ 60. Mr. Boothbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he has authorised the expenditure of over £20,000,000 per annum for the purchase of American films.
§ Mr. DaltonRemittances in respect of films are governed by the same rules of exchange control as other transactions. If we have the films, we must pay for them. The amount remitted last year was £17,000,000.
§ Mr. BoothbyCan the right hon. Gentleman say what possible justification there can be, in the present food shortage and with the present shortage of dollars, for spending £17,000,000 a year on the importation of these not very good films from the United States?
§ Mr. DaltonWe must, within wide limits, meet the public desire for entertainment, and it so happens that a lot of people go to see these films.
§ Mr. BoothbyI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.