§ 1. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the falling receipts of the British Film Production Fund, what action he will take to maintain and increase British film production.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Sir David Eccles)I regret that so far the yield of the levy has fallen below the estimate but it is too early to consider altering the rate.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs not this a quite serious situation? Whether or not a reduction in the number of cinemas is inevitable or desirable, is it not a fact that the need for expanding film production remains great, both for export as well as for the home market? Therefore, what will the Minister do to see that there is not a comparable falling off in production, as is threatened at the moment?
§ Sir D. EcclesAs the hon. Member knows, British film production is assisted by the quota and by the operations of the National Film Finance Corporation. I agree, however, that this is a difficult situation, but we must wait a little to see what the yield of the levy turns out to be.
§ Captain PilkingtonIf my right hon. Friend agrees that the position of the film industry is indeed serious, will he have a persuasive word with his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer before the Budget?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have to be careful in answering questions about that.