HC Deb 18 June 1947 vol 438 c1979
1. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now satisfied with the result of the film covering the visit of the Supreme Soviet Delegation to this country.

The Minister of State (Mr. McNeil)

This film has now been re-examined, and it has been decided to reshape it so that the most interesting items may be incorporated individually in newsreels.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government lost a good opportunity of showing the Russian people what can be done in this country? If the Government's propaganda department are not capable of dealing with these matters, why not hand them over to a private company, which would make a good job of them?

Mr. McNeil

I think there is some confusion in the hon. and gallant Gentleman's thinking. However excellent the technical production may have been—and I do not pretend that it was—our ability to display the film would have been dependent primarily on the facilities for exhibition.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what financial loss was incurred on this film?

Mr. McNeil

Not without notice.