§ 53. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, for the purpose of encouraging the exhibition of British films abroad, he will initiate discussions with the Soviet authorities for a British-Soviet film exchange plan, on the lines of the United States-Soviet film agreement announced by the Director of the United States Information Agency on 8th January.
§ Mr. R. AllanAt present the Russians have ample opportunities for the sale, distribution and exhibition of their films in the United Kingdom. An Anglo-Soviet exchange of film weeks under the auspices of the Soviet Relations Committee of the British Council is now being negotiated. Fuller reciprocal arrangements, such as the hon. Gentleman has in mind, could best be made by the British film industry and the appropriate Soviet organisations.
§ Mr. SwinglerI appreciate the efforts which are being made by the various authorities mentioned in that Reply, but since the American Government have done so, why are Her Majesty's Government unwilling to initiate discussions at a higher level on this matter? This Soviet-American plan was initiated by the Director of the United States Information Agency. Why cannot the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster initiate a similar agreement for the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. AllanI understand that the American Government agreement was first reached with the industries and then ratified at governmental level. That is how the Russians like to do things.