§ 2. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade on what date he will introduce legislation to maintain the British Film Production Fund.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am glad to be able to inform the House that the four film trade associations have reached agreement to continue the British Film Production Fund for three years from the end of July, 1954. This agreement is in accord with the view I expressed on 10th March, in answer to Questions from the hon. Members for Nottingham, Northwest (Mr. O'Brien) and Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd), that support for British film production of the kind provided by the British Film Production Fund should be achieved, if possible by voluntary agreement within the industry, for at least three years after the present scheme is due to end. In these circumstances, I do not propose to introduce legislation on the matter.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhile congratulating the Minister on his narrow escape from the need to legislate on this matter, may I ask him whether he is aware that this voluntary agreement has come about only as a result of the ultimatum he presented to the industry? Does he realise that if he wants the Eady levy paid with good will the Government will have to pay some attention to the question of tax relief for the industry?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI do not know about ultimatums. All I would say is that I am very glad that all this has been achieved by voluntary agreement rather than by having to pass a Bill.