THE CINEMATOGRAPH FUND
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—My attention has been called to the letter in your columns from Messrs. Cameron and Brown, secretaries of the "Commission on Cultural Films objecting to my advising school teachers to apply (I suggest) through Education Committees or Directors for a grant from the above Fund for school projectors, although my advice was based upon the firm opinion of a " very high legal authority." They object because they contend the Fund is for their non-existent institute. It is not. tord Hailsham, speaking for the Govern- ment, said : " The Fund is not earmarked for a proposed film institute. It is available for all concerned in the develop- ment
of the industry." And Lord Askwith, tmcontradicted by Lord Hailsham, said : " If schools desire to purchase projectors and hire films, they could also become applicants whose claims would be considered." •
The Act saysthe Fund is " for the purpose aeneouraging the use and development of the cinematograph as a means of entertainment and instruction." There is not a word in. it about an institute. Further, the Archbishop of Canterbury asked the Government " whether they can give an undertaking that before any money from this Fund is given to this Institute, its constitution and functions will be submitted to Parliament." Inasmuch as the proposed Institute is, according to the Com- mission to have seven Governors appointed by the Governnicnt, and claims to certify films for the Government and serve Government Departments here and abroad, it is evident it will have a public character, and therefore cannot legally have any grant from this Fund until it is approved by Par- Gt. Russell Street, W.C.1.
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