HC Deb 15 July 1959 vol 609 c35W
Sir K. Joseph

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much was spent by the Central Office of Information on film production, directly or indirectly, during the latest three convenient years; what were the films produced or commissioned by them; and which of these films won prizes at film festivals, and when.

Dr. Hill

During the three-year period April, 1956, to March, 1959, the amount spent by the Central Office of Information on the production of films for home and overseas use totalled £597,184. This figure does not cover print and distribution costs, but includes money spent on the acquisition of rights in films coming from independent sources. Totals of films by category are as follows:

Type of film Number produced for C.O.I. Number acquired by C.O.I. Total
Documentary 76 652 728
Filmlets etc., for home use 88 88
Television programmes on film for use overseas 91 91
Newsreels (TV and cinema) 675 156 831
930 808 1,738

The Central Office of Information makes and acquires films for a wide range of information purposes and audiences at home and abroad. Few of these films are therefore suitable for submission for showing at film festivals. Of the films acquired from independent sources, 21 received a total of 28 awards in the past three years; of those produced for the Central Office of Information, five received 10 awards.