§ 4. Colonel Ropnerasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the amount of the grant or loan made recently by the Film Finance Corporation to the Association of Cinematograph and Allied Technicians.
Mr. H. WilsonI cannot give information about the Corporation's day-to-day business; and the Corporation explained, in their first Annual Report, why they themselves withhold detailed information about their loans.
I should, however, correct what appears to be a misapprehension in the hon. and gallant Member's Question; a loan has been made not to the Association of Cinematograph and Allied Technicians, but to the film-producing company called A.C.T. Films Limited.
§ Colonel RopnerWhile welcoming any assistance for the production of films in this country, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any truth in the statement which appeared in an official publication of the Labour Party under the heading "Labour has a direct stake in this film"? If that statement is true will he ensure that in future public funds are not used for party purposes?
Mr. WilsonI am not aware of the quotation to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has referred. My interpretation is that it has reference to the fact that this particular film is being organised by a company set up by the trade unions concerned. It is not a question of party purposes.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs it not true that there are more Communists associated with this venture than members of the Labour Party?