§ 17. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had to date with representatives of the film industry about the approaching expiry of film quota legislation and the future of the National Film Finance Corporation.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI have invited the representatives of the industry to put forward their views on future policy to the National Film Finance Corporation who will in turn report to me. I have made it clear, however, that the various sections of the industry are free to express their views directly to the Board of Trade if they so wish. I have not at the moment asked for detailed comments on the film quota legislation.
§ Mr. SwinglerHaving received the views of representatives of the trade—and, presumably, of the trade unions—and having rejected the very reasonable demand for an independent inquiry, is the President of the Board of Trade going to make a statement of policy on behalf of the Government? In view of the importance of long-term programming in the film industry and the fact that the expiry of legislation on the quota and the Finance Corporation is getting very near, it is important that the Government should state their policy.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe object of getting advice is that it will help me to decide what is the correct course to pursue, and in due course and at the appropriate time I shall say what it is.