HC Deb 09 February 1933 vol 274 c380W
Mr. HUTCHISON

asked the Home Secretary whether the National Film Institute has been set up; if so, what form it is to take; and whether any money has been handed over to it in connection with the Sunday opening of cinemas?

Mr. STANLEY

The Government have no responsibility for the formation of the proposed film institute; but I understand that arrangements for the establishment of such an institute are nearing completion. No sums will be paid into the cinematograph fund until the end of March next, and the answer to the second part of the question is accordingly in the negative.

Mr. CADOGAN

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will undertake that no grant will be made from the cinematograph fund towards the proposed national film institute or similar body until full and impartial inquiry has been made into the whole basis of the scheme on behalf of the cinema-going public and the numerous interests concerned?

Mr. BALDWIN

Under the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, the duty of making grants from the cinematograph fund falls upon the Privy Council, who will take such steps as they think necessary to ensure that the object for which the fund was constituted is achieved.