§ 61. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been remitted to the U.S.A. since 1st September, 1939, under the agreement between the film companies and the Bank of England.
§ Mr. DaltonThere is no agreement between the film companies and the Bank of England. But £ 82,600,000 was remitted to the United States in payment for American films between 3rd September, 1939, and 31st January, 1946.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes that figure include the profits on the showing of films in addition to payment for them? In view of the desperate export situation will the Chancellor not stop the importation of American films altogether?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. I do not see why the hon. Gentleman should interfere with the pleasure of the people. The people like American films.
§ Mr. BoothbyDoes not the Chancellor agree that there are limits to which the pleasures of the people may be indulged in this particular respect when the country is on the rations that it is today?