HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 cc198-9W
83. Mr. Garry Allighan

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the report, signed by a number of Members of Parliament, which was sent to him, containing recommendations respecting film undertakings; on what date he received it, and on what date it was shown to Mr. Eric Johnston, a representative of the U.S. film industry, visiting this country last month; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Belcher

My right hon. and learned Friend has given preliminary consideration to the report, and he will study its proposals more carefully in connection with the framing of new legislation to replace the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938. Mr. Eric Johnston is reported to have said last month that he had seen it, but I do not know when that may have been.

Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement with regard to the recent visit to this country of Mr. Eric Johnson on behalf of the U.S. film industry; and whether any conversations took place with regard to prospective legislation renewing quota protection for the British film industry.

Mr. Belcher

Mr. Eric Johnston recently visited this country for the purpose of making a first-hand study of current developments in the British film industry and exchanging views on matters of common interest with representatives of His Majesty's Government and leading British film personalities. Those matters naturally included the prospective new legislation to replace the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, and also the prospects of wider distribution for British films in the United States. These useful conversations were informal, and no commitments were entered into on either side.