§ 9. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have now been taken to maintain the level of film production after the middle of August in the light of the decision of the National Film Finance Corporation to appoint a receiver for the British Lion Film Corporation.
§ Mr. H. StraussThe receiver and manager is providing distribution guarantees pending the formation of the new company which, as already announced, will continue the distribution functions hitherto performed by the British Lion Film Corporation.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhat about production? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his assurances about the maintenance of film production have already been falsified, because films have been cancelled? 1948 What are the Government doing to maintain film production there, and what is to happen when the present production programme expires?
§ Mr. StraussI am informed that the receiver decided not to proceed in one case, but that was due to factors which might in any event have deferred production of the film concerned.
Mr. H. WilsonIs the Parliamentary Secretary now in a position—because this is getting very urgent—to say whether the new company being established, or the receiver in the interim, is in a position to finance production as apart from the provision of distribution guarantees?
§ Mr. StraussNo. I cannot add to my answer. I think that, as far as the effect of the appointment of the receiver and manager is concerned, the steps he is taking should prevent any loss of production.