§ 16. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade for how long he is prepared to await the results of discussions in the film industry on the future of the Eady levy; and whether, if these discussions fail to produce voluntary agreement, he proposes to introduce legislation in this session.
§ Mr. H. StraussAs my right hon. Friend said in his reply to the hon. Member on 16th April, the industry must have a reasonable period for discussion; and to set a time limit at this stage would not help. If a statutory scheme becomes necessary a Bill will be introduced in good time before the present voluntary scheme comes to an end.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhat does the Parliamentary Secretary regard as a reasonable time? The trade has already had nine months. Does it mean that they have another nine months, or a year? How long will it go on? Is the Parliamentary 186 Secretary aware that if he allows the present scheme to expire in August, 1954, it means that any assistance to film production ceases 12 months before that happens?
§ Mr. StraussIt is because of the importance of giving the industry adequate notice that my right hon. Friend made his statement in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Nottingham, North-West (Mr. O'Brien). That statement served a purpose. It would not serve any useful purpose to set a time limit now, which would merely interfere with the negotiations which are taking place.
§ Mr. SwinglerThat statement was made two months ago.