HC Deb 24 February 1953 vol 511 cc1899-900
31. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade what recommendations he has received from the Cinematograph Films Council about the quotas for British first feature and supporting films for the year beginning October. 1953 and what action he will take.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Henry Strauss)

The Cinematograph Films Council have recommended that the quota for the supporting programme for the year beginning on the 1st October, 1953, should be 25 per cent. as at present. They were unable to make an agreed recommendation for the quota for first feature films. My right hon. Friend is carefully considering this matter and will make a statement soon.

Mr. Swingler

Can the Minister say how soon the President of the Board of Trade will make his statement? Is he aware that this accumulation of uncertainty about the quota, the Eady scheme and Entertainments Duty will have a most harmful effect on the film industry? Will he press his right hon. Friend to make a statement as soon as possible?

Mr. Strauss

My right hon. Friend will be making a statement at an early date.

32. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade his estimates of the numbers of British first feature and supporting films to be produced in 1953; and if he is satisfied that production will be sufficient for the maintenance of the quotas.

Mr. H. Strauss

My right hon. Friend has not sufficient evidence for such an estimate. Films produced in 1953 will not in general be available for the current quota year. My right hon. Friend will make a statement soon about the quota for the year beginning on the 1st October, 1953.

Mr. Swingler

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that one of the reasons why he is unable to make an estimate is because of the uncertainty generated in the film production industry by the lack of any decision on the effect of the Eady levy'? Will he therefore pay some attention to these protracted neotiations with the film trade about the future of the Eady levy, in order that producers may begin to make some plans about production this year and next year?

Mr. Strauss

We recognise the importance of these matters.