63. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which of the major cinema circuits has now arranged to distribute the C.O.I. film "The World is Rich"; what are the reasons given for the refusals he has received; and what steps he proposes to take to secure adequate distribution of this type of film.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallThis film has not yet been offered to a major cinema circuit. These circuits get their films from distributors, one of whom, the British Lion Film Corporation, has lately arranged to offer the film to the circuits after it has been shortened. In reply to the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that cinema exhibitors are aware of the Government's desire to secure the widest possible showing of official films. The Central Office of Information have an agreement, which they greatly value, with the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association whereby one ten-minute film is made available free of cost each month to some 3,300 cinemas. In addition, longer films are offered through the commercial370W renters, and I ought frankly to say that a greater readiness on the part of exhibitors to book these longer films would be a very welcome assistance to the Central Office in their task of informing the community on a wide variety of subjects.