HC Deb 24 October 1945 vol 414 cc1990-2
9. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the post-war policy of his Department in regard to the provision, distribution and exhibition of British films in the Colonies, especially those designed to give information in the British way of life.

26. Mr. Reeves

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed continuing the Colonial Film Unit now that the war has terminated, and if so, what are its functions to be

Mr. George Hall

Yes, Sir. Present arrangements for the supply of films to the Colonies include films made by the Colonial Film Unit of the Ministry of Information, British Council documentary films and a special news reel sent weekly by air to Colonial Territories. These films include a substantial proportion of material illustrating the British way of life. The Colonial Film Unit also produces films on educational and social subjects. It is my intention to maintain and expand these arrangements to ensure a vigorous presentation of the British case in the Colonies. Precise details of administration and finance are under consideration at present in connection with the future of Government publicity as a whole.

Sir T. Moore

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that very informative and very satisfactory reply, may I ask if he is aware that there is a growing and very natural demand amongst Colonial peoples to learn more about this great and victorious people in Britain; and will he consult, not alone the British Council, but the British film industry on the means by which this information can be given?

Mr. Hall

I shall be prepared to meet the hon. and gallant Member and discuss the matter.

Mr. Reeves

In view of the nature of these films, could not the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements for hon. Members of this House to see them from time to time?

Mr. Hall

I will certainly consider that.

Sir Wavell Wakefield

Could the right hon. Gentleman take similar steps to make more widely known in this country what is happening in the Colonies? There is a great desire in this country for more knowledge of what is taking place in the Colonies, and will he tell the House what steps he is taking in that direction?

Mr. Hall

We are certainly endeavouring to do that. There is now in course of preparation, what I hope will be a very good film, which I hope will be very well received.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the film industry generally depicts the British way of life as the life of a Tory squire, and will he see that the British way of life is better depicted than that?

Hon. Members

Nonsense.

Mr. McGovern

Will the Minister also see that a film is exhibited showing the dead bodies of Indians who were starved to death in Calcutta last year?