§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether the cinematograph films known as Armageddon, Zeebrugge, and Ypres were made under Government auspices or with His Majesty's Government's assistance; whether they remain Government property; whether any other films are owned by His Majesty's Government, and, if so, what are they; whether rent or/and royalty is paid to His Majesty's Government for the exhibition of any of the above films or any other consideration; and what are the sums involved?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The films in question do not being to the Government, but the official war negatives which contributed to their production remain the property of the Government. A considerable number of other films, including those prepared for instructional demonstration and record purposes are owned by the Government and are hold by the Departments to which they pertain; a complete list of them is not in the possession of the Treasury, but I will obtain one if that hon. and gallant Member so desires. Royalties were paid on war films, used in the production of Armageddon, Zebrugge and Ypres, and a proportion of the profits arising from their exhibition is paid to the Government. The total amount received up to date from Armageddon and Zebrugge is £2,819 12s. 7d. The returns from Ypres are not yet due.