11. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Labour how many film technicians are registered as unemployed today as compared with 30th June, 1947.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI regret that the information is not available.
Mr. SmithCan the Parliamentary Secretary explain to the House how it comes about that when the British film industry 958 is protected virtually to the extent of 100 3 per cent., as it is today, there should be I nearly 400 unemployed cinema technicians? Will he undertake that none of f these men shall be officially regarded as spivs, drones, eels, butterflies or newts?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI can give a categorical assurance that they will not be regarded as being in any of those categories. The difficulty is that many of these cine-technicians are not always in insured employment, and do not therefore come to our exchanges.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownIn view of the fact that we have clamped a very heavy import duty on American films, would it not be very extraordinary if the figure of un-employment in this industry were any-thing like that which has been suggested? If the Minister has not the information now, will he try to get it, because it does suggest some very interesting possibilities, if the figure is anything like that suggested?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI will endeavour to stimulate private enterprise in the matter.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that the big Rank monopoly is preventing the effective development of this industry?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThat is quite another question.