§ Mr. Reevesasked the Minister of Information whether he can supply the House with particulars of the distribution of films inforeign countries provided by the films division of his Ministry and the British Council, with their cost and income and the number of times exhibited during the past 12 months.
§ Mr. E. J. WilliamsDuring the twelve months ended 30th September, 1945, the Ministry of Information distributed in 71 foreign countries about 34,200 prints of news reels and documentary and feature films. The relative costs to the Ministry of compiling, dubbing, printing and distributing the films amounted to approximately £600,000. The estimated valuation of the revenue received, in various foreign currencies, for Ministry account is approximately £500,000. It is not possible to compute how many times the films were displayed; but the showings in cinemas and elsewhere have been commensurate with the 34,200 prints issued. In regard to the British Council, my hon. Friend will perhaps address an inquiry to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.