HC Deb 20 September 1939 vol 351 cc972-4W
Mr. Sorensen

asked the Lord Privy Seal, as representing the Minister of Information, under what conditions Alexander Korda productions are now making a film in co-operation with the Ministry of Information; what is the amount of subsidy to be given to this company for that purpose; whether all British film production units will have an opportunity of tendering for such film production; and what arrangements are being made for further films to be made?

Sir E. Grigg

This film is to be produced at the company's expense without any subsidy, under terms which give the Government very full control over its production and distribution. The statement of cost will be subject to Government audit and, thereafter, the Government will have the option to purchase all rights in the film at an agreed figure, or to share equally in any profits without liability for losses, or to disclaim all financial concern in the film.

The hon. Member will no doubt agree that these terms represent a particularly generous expression on the part of the company of their willingness to co-operate with the Ministry in the national interest at the present juncture. Arrangements are in contemplation for the pro- duction of other films, including documentary films. The details of the terms in each case must, of course, vary with the nature of the particular production concerned, but my Noble Friend will be only too happy to consider offers from other companies to produce films on terms similar to those which I have described.