§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production when the output of the 16 mm. film processing laboratories will cease to be controlled; whether he is aware that only two per cent. of the total output of these laboratories is available for civilian requirements, including educational needs, whilst 98 per cent. of the total output is absorbed by the Ministry of Information and the Services; and since there is no allocation for export trade, will he take steps to provide that a reasonable allocation is made available for educational needs at home and export abroad.
§ Mr. LeonardAlthough the end of the war has brought about a reduction in the demands of the Services for training films, the requirements for morale, education and entertainment still remain at a very2080W high level, especially in India and the Far East. At the present time the Services absorb nearly 80 per cent. of the total output of the laboratories, and even so a very substantial backlog of orders has accumulated. Approximately 15 per cent. of laboratory capacity is allocated to the Ministry of Information and other official users, leaving 5 per cent. for civilian requirements, including educational needs, and also to make available a certain amount for export purposes. While the present heavy demands for the Services continue, I am afraid it is impossible to increase the allocations for the purposes mentioned in the last part of the Question, but I would assure the hon. Member that the position will be carefully watched.