HC Deb 22 September 1943 vol 392 cc222-3W
Mr. Hewlett

asked the Minister of Information how many of his films are classed as non-theatrical and will therefore only be shown at factories and villages; and whether, in view of the general interest of many of these, he will arrange for their exhibition to the ordinary cinema-going public?

Mr. Thurtle

There is no fixed number of Ministry films classed as non-theatrical. A good many of our films are shown both in the cinemas and on the non-theatrical circuits, and this seems to me the best and most economical way of combining the two methods of distribution.

Captain P. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Information whether the official propagandist films of his Department are supplied without charge to colonial cinemas?

Mr. Thurtle

Ministry of Information short films are supplied to Colonial Governments free of charge. In respect of feature-length films, however, the Governments are asked to try to obtain from the local cinemas a percentage rental on takings.