§ 16. Mr. Wyattasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now agree to a cancellation of the cross-over agreement by which cinemas are compelled to show certain newsreels whether they want them or not.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe agreements which prevent cinematograph exhibitors from stopping their newsreel subscriptions are a necessary part of the arrangements for saving raw film stock by requiring pairs of neighbouring exhibitors to share the same copies of their newsreels. The probable net result of doing away with these arrangements would be the use of more film at home and an equivalent sacrifice of valuable exports. I am, however, looking into the arguments for enabling the cross-over system to be suspended, and I hope very shortly to reach a decision.
§ Mr. WyattWould my right hon. Friend press on with his investigation, as I am sure he is aware that there are ample supplies of raw film stock in the country at the moment? And is he aware that all this agreement does at present is to compel cinemas to show newsreel films which they do not want? Often they are not newsreel films at all, but outdated films of Hollywood mannequin shows.
§ Mr. WilsonI cannot agree that there are adequate stocks in this country, but I will certainly hasten the investigation referred to.