§ 17. Lieutenant W. Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to make illegal the block booking system which is operated by U.S. film producers in the sale of films to the British market.
§ Sir S. CrippsThere is much to be said both for and against the block booking system which is operated in this country by British as well as American distributors; but there is general agreement in film trade circles that any prohibition of if could be very easily and widely evaded.
§ Lieutenant ShepherdIs the Minister aware that much money is being spent by this country on the purchase of worthless films as a result of this device; and will he, in view of the dollar shortage, do something to rescind the present position?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am quite aware that that is one of the arguments put forward.