§ Mr. Hall-Caineasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present approximate annual amount of money which is obtained as a result of the exhibition of films in this country by the American film industry; and whether the Cinematograph Films Act which shortly expires had any effect in decreasing the value of this trade?
Mr. StanleyPrecise information regarding the payments made to the United States in respect of film royalties is not available, but the amount for 1936 was probably of the order of £6 million. One effect of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, has been to reduce the proportion872W of receipts at cinemas which accrue to renters of United States films.
§ Mr. Hall-Caineasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state whether the new Cinematograph Films Bill will be introduced during the current Session or during the current year?
Mr. StanleyI fear it will not be possible to introduce legislation to deal with the film industry during the current Session, but as my predecessor indicated in his reply to my hon. Friend on 22nd April it is hoped to do so before the end of the year.