§ 25. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has seen the coloured film of Southern Rhodesia; and whether, in order to lessen ignorance of British Colonies, he will arrange for coloured films to be made of West African and other Colonies.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI have not seen this film. There are already a number of colour films of Colonies in the Central Film Library, and more are included in the current production programme. The relevant details are set out in the booklet?Britain and the Colonies? published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, a copy of which has already been sent to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. KeelingWould not the hon. Gentleman see this film, because he will find that it is a revelation as to what can be done to dispel popular ignorance, which is very profound, about the Empire and Commonwealth; and why should not the Colonial Office, which has far greater resources than Southern Rhodesia, blaze the trail?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI think we have already blazed the trail in this respect.
§ Mr. KeelingNot in West Africa.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWe have in the Central Film Library coloured films on the Gold Coast, Kenya and Northern Rhodesia, and we are producing coloured films on the West Indies, Cyprus and others on Northern Rhodesia. However, I should be very happy to see this film, and I will try to make arrangements to do so.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanMay we be assured that there is no colour bar in this matter?
§ Mr. SorensenAre any of the films now being taken in Nigeria by the Film Unit coloured films; and if so, how many?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsNo, they are ordinary films, not coloured films.