HC Deb 11 March 1953 vol 512 cc1258-60
7. Captain Ryder

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the circumstances in which the Admiralty agreed to co-operate in the making of the film, "Victory at Sea"; and what assurances he obtained that this film would present an accurate account of the war at sea.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that this programme was produced by an American company for United States audiences. In order to encourage the producers to include some aspects of the parts played by the Royal Navy, the Admiralty was only too willing to place its material unreservedly at the disposal of the company. The Admiralty naturally used all the influence it could to ensure that the operations of the Royal Navy were treated in reasonable perspective.

Captain Ryder

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the showing of that film on television in this country has caused widespread resentment, as it appears to be a deliberate attempt to belittle our own efforts at sea?

Mr. Thomas

My hon. and gallant Friend must bear in mind that this film was produced by Americans for Americans, so perhaps there is nothing very surprising in the result. The policy the Admiralty adopted was, I think, the only possible one of showing the maximum good will towards this film. After all, the White Ensign was shown on 20 occasions. The decision to show the film on television was taken by the B.B.C.

Captain Ryder

But will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that when the Admiralty give their sanction for a film, it is tantamount to putting a hallmark of respectability on it, and that this is a bad film?

Mr. Dugdale

Have the Admiralty made any protest to the American Government about this state of affairs?

Mr. Thomas

No, Sir. We have not.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Are the Admiralty going to set the matter right by aiding in the production of a British version of "Victory at Sea"?

Mr. Thomas

That is another question, and I am afraid I cannot, at the moment anyhow, give an answer to it.

Captain Ryder

Will my right hon. Friend communicate with the B.B.C.?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, I will certainly do that.