HC Deb 13 June 1951 vol 488 cc2285-6
19 and 20. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he is aware that Russian and Chinese films with dialogues in the Chinese dialects, including newsreels about Korea with an anti-Western-democracy commentary are reaching numerous audiences in South-East Asia while few, if any, British films are produced in these dialects; and what action he is taking to counteract this propaganda in native dialogue;

(2) if he is aware that films with sound tracks in the Chinese and Malayan languages are the only films shown in cinemas for illiterates in Malaya; and if he will arrange for British films in these languages to be produced for showing in Singapore and Malaya.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The entry into British territory in South-East Asia of films of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers is under control by the Governments concerned, who are fully alive to the situation.

Films with sound tracks in local languages are produced by the Malayan Film Unit. In addition, more than 35 films, and more than 50 individual items from the series "This is Britain," have been sent from this country to Malaya for the sound tracks in Malay, Chinese and Tamil to be incorporated. A new series of films entitled the "Democratic Way" designed for similar incorporation is also being undertaken.

Mr. Awbery

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the majority of the people of Malaya are unable to read and take their views entirely from the films, some of which are very unsuitable and do not display the British way of life? Will he consider the appointment of a propaganda man in this area who would conduct propaganda on the films and show the British way of life to the people of Malaya as it ought to be shown?

Mr. Griffiths

I think I have informed the House before that when I came back from Malaya last year I realised that this was one of the urgent needs, and, several months ago, I appointed Mr. Carleton Greene who has gone to Malaya for that purpose.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

When the right hon. Gentleman says that this sort of film is under the control of the local governments, does he mean that it is their business and that therefore he would not answer the Question, or does he mean that they are satisfactorily controlling them?

Mr. Griffiths

I think they are satisfactorily controlling them, and that that fact is obvious in Malaya.

Mr. H. Hynd

When selecting these films about the British way of life, will my right hon. Friend be careful not to choose films showing this House during an all-night sitting?

Mr. Profumo

Could the Minister arrange for some of the films about which he has spoken to be made available in the grand Committee Room so that we can judge for ourselves whether they are of a sufficiently high standard?

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