HC Deb 25 May 1950 vol 475 cc2221-3
30. Lieut.-Colonel Hyde

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of remuneration paid to each member of the National Film Finance Corporation; whether these appointments are whole time; and what qualifications the members possess for this work.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Harold Wilson)

With the exception of the managing director, all the members of the National Film Finance Corporation are employed on a part-time basis. Remuneration is as follows: Chairman, £2,500 p.a.; managing director, £4,000 p.a.; other members (3), £500 p.a. each.

The qualifications required by the Act are experience and shown capacity in matters relating to finance, industry, commerce, administration or law, qualities which are possessed by all the members of the Corporation in their respective spheres.

31. Mr. Maudling

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further information he has received since the publication of the Gater Report from British film producers on costs of production in the industry; and if he will make this information available to hon. Members.

Mr. H. Wilson

At my request the four main production organisations have recently supplied detailed information about both the costs and earnings of films made by them during the last two years. This information has been given to me in confidence.

Mr. Maudling

In view of the great importance of this information for a proper assessment of the difficulties of the film industry, can the Minister give some further information to the House in advance of any further discussions on the industry's problems?

Mr. Wilson

I will consider what can be done, but I have given the assurance that there will be no figures given relating to individual companies.

36. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement with regard to his talks with Mr. Eric Johnston for a renewal of the Anglo-American Film Agreement.

Mr. H. Wilson

The talks are still proceeding, and it is not possible to make a statement at present.

Mr. Fletcher

Can my right hon. Friend say whether something will be done during these negotiations to en- courage a wider distribution in America of British-made films?

Mr. Wilson

I am sure it is the desire of all Members that we should get a wider distribution of British-made films, but these negotiations are being conducted by American producing interests who, under the new arrangements in America, do not own cinemas.