§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War whether any permits have been given to cinematograph companies to make films of troops and other military objects or on War Office property during the last three years: whether these permits are granted 2178W to one company or to more than one company; what are the names of the companies concerned; whether any payments, rents, or royalties are paid for those permits and for privileges; and what is the amount of money involved?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSDuring the past three years troops have been allowed to take part in scenes for films of military life and history produced, or in course of production, by three film companies, namely, the British Instructional Films Company, Limited, the Famous Productions Film Company, Limited, and the Frirse-Green Colour Films, Limited. No general permits or facilities have been given to any company. On each occasion on which troops have been used it has been subject to the conditions that there is no interference with training and no expense to the public: and that soldiers are not employed in parts that could equally well be taken by civilians. Further, the company has been required to pay to the Commanding Officer for distribution among the men at least as much as would have been paid for the services of civilians.