§ 47. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of the earnings of British films in the British zone of Germany; how much of this sum is blocked; and what steps he will take to release it.
§ Sir S. CrippsI regret that I cannot disclose the amounts concerned. British film companies operating in Germany are precluded by Bizonal Exchange Control regulations from transferring any of their earnings into sterling, but we took the opportunity of the recent trade talks to raise the question of transfer with the Joint Export Import Agency who have agreed to consider it.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that British film producers were pressed by the Foreign Office to send films for distribution in Germany and that if part of these blocked funds were released, it would be of some assistance in producing additional films in this country?
§ Sir S. CrippsWe are quite aware of the fact, and that is why we raised it with the Joint Export Import Agency.