§ 1. Mr. John Hallasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he has taken to ensure that an adequate supply of suitable British filmed material is available to countries starting television services.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Dr. Charles Hill)The official information services, the British Broadcasting Corporation and the programme companies of independent television are all active in this field. The official services were offering, by the end of 1958, sufficient British films to allow for one hour's showing weekly by most television stations in the free world, and the supply is being increased steadily. These include newsreels and documentary films. A catalogue of 500 British films now available for overseas television has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. HallWould my right hon. Friend agree that many of the countries which are now setting up or are proposing to set up television services are the very countries where we would wish to see a most sympathetic understanding of the British point of view? Would he also agree that it is very expensive to provide films and film material suitable for these countries, especially if they have to be dubbed? Is he satisfied that his Department is doing all it can to provide dubbing facilities, where necessary, and also commission films of the right kind for countries which might need them?
§ Dr. HillI agree with my hon. Friend's first point. On the second point, there is a great and increasing demand, particularly amongst new television stations, and we are seeking bit by bit to satisfy that demand.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodCould the right hon. Gentleman tell the House to what extent Government Departments take the initiative in the preparation of 3 these films, and to what extent their preparation and production is left to private agencies?
§ Dr. HillIn general, the prescribing Department takes the initiative and thereafter arranges with documentary film companies, the B.B.C., or the I.T.A., for their production.