HC Deb 31 May 1951 vol 488 cc393-5
23. Mr. Shepherd

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are his intentions regarding the extent of the future activities of the National Film Finance Corporation.

Sir H. Shawcross

I am not yet able to make a statement, but I hope to be in a position to do so shortly.

Mr. Shepherd

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the whole of the limited production now in British film studios depends upon the marginal money supplied by the Corporation, and that, as these studios see ahead only to about October, unless an announcement is made very shortly there will be further unemployment in the industry?

Sir H. Shawcross

Yes, I am aware of the difficulties in the present situation. I have not yet had a great deal of time to consider it personally, but I hope to be able to make a statement about it before very long.

Mr. Driberg

Will my right hon. and learned Friend try to restrain the Corporation from financing films, such as one now in production under the title "I Spy Strangers," which tend to cast discredit on this House by representing Members of Parliament as spies and saboteurs?

Mr. Shepherd

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the title of that film has already been changed?

28. Mr. Shepherd

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the statement in the annual Report of the National Film Finance Corporation to the effect that Association of Cinematograph Technicians insisted upon four members of a sound crew being sent overseas with a unit, and insisted upon a settlement of £500 out of funds supplied by the Corporation being paid to the union benevolent fund if a threatened strike were to be averted; and if he will state what steps he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of such action.

Sir H. Shawcross

I understand that the payment referred to was made by a film company in settlement of a dispute which arose between them and the Association of Cinematograph and Allied Technicians about the terms of an agreement between employers and employed in the film industry. I have no jurisdiction in matters of this kind; I understand, however, that the British Film Producers' Association have since advised their member companies not to arrive at settlements of disputes in this way without prior consultation with the Association.

Mr. Shepherd

Ought not the right hon. and learned Gentleman express disapproval of this arrangement, since there was no work for the four men concerned and the sum of £500 really amounts to blackmail? Is he not aware that this, in an industry where costs are already inflated, is very regrettable indeed?

Mr. Michael Foot

Is it not a fact that the Association of Cinematograph and Allied Technicians contest the claims made in this paragraph of the Corporation's Report, and have asked for an independent inquiry into the whole matter, for which they are quite prepared? Will my right hon. and learned Friend consider whether that course should not be followed?

Sir H. Shawcross

I certainly understand that in this question, as in most others, there are two sides. It is not my policy to interfere in the day to day operations of the Corporation, who, I am satisfied, exercise proper care and control over the expenditure of the public funds which are placed at their disposal.

Mr. Foot

Does not my right hon. and learned Friend—

Mr. Speaker

Twenty-eight Questions in 41 minutes is very slow progress. I think we ought to get on.