§ 10. Mr. Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the Plant Report in respect of reducing the present charges levied by film distributors.
§ Mr. RhodesI can find no recommendation in the Plant Report in the terms suggested by the hon. Member. I assume that he has in mind the various recommendations in paragraphs 137–150 of the report, which were designed to give the producer certain safeguards in his dealings with the distributor—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speak slowly."] The trade members of the Cinematograph Films Council made some useful comments on these recommendations in their report of 24th May, 1950, which we have commended to all the trade organisations concerned. We shall continue to press on all sections of the industry the need for greater flexibility in all these matters, but my right hon. Friend does not consider that they are suitable for legislative provision.
§ Mr. ShepherdWhile I did not grasp all that was contained in that "quickie," may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will bear in mind that here is a source of income which the producers ought to have, and that if the Department is putting money into film production they should ensure that the distributors do not take 25 to 30 per cent. out of revenue.
§ Mr. RhodesI apologise if I read the answer too quickly, but it seemed to me to be a boring one and I wanted to get it over.