§ Mr. Manderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will state the arrangements that are being made for the production of films for propaganda purposes by the Ministry; and how many are now being made?
§ Sir E. GriggSave in exceptional circumstances and for special reasons, it is not the policy of the Ministry to embark on the production of films for propaganda purposes at Government expense; but1062W rather to encourage and assist the production and distribution of suitable films through ordinary commercial channels. In co-operation with the Air Ministry, the Ministry has arranged for the production without subsidy, by Alexander Korda Films Limited, of an important film dealing with the work of the Royal Air Force, for which it is hoped to secure world-wide distribution.
In addition, wide distribution has already been secured in this country for an instructional film made on behalf of the Home Office by the G.P.O. Film Unit. This unit has now been transferred to the Ministry, and is at present engaged in the production of a film dealing with the transition of London from peace to war.
Documentary and other film producers have been invited to submit scenarios for several films, which the Ministry hopes to produce for exhibition both at home and overseas; and several other subjects for films are under active consideration.