§ 3. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in considering the future of quota legislation, he is giving consideration to the restoration of renters' film quota.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe reintroduction of a renters' film quota is one of the numerous suggestions for amendments to the Cinematograph Films Acts, 1938, and 1948, at present under consideration.
§ Mr. SwinglerCan the President of the Board of Trade give any indication how far this consideration has gone? Is he aware—no doubt he is—that the trade unions are unanimously of the opinion that the reintroduction of this quota should be seriously considered, because it could give some stability to production? Can he give some indication when he will be able to give us his view on the matter?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe renters' film quota was abolished by the Labour Government in 1948 for what appeared to me to be a very good reason; namely, that it led to the production of "quota quickies" 580 and other inferior films. Therefore, it is a matter for serious consideration before we decide to reintroduce it.
§ 4. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make proposals to the Commonwealth Economic Conference for promoting the production and exchange of films within the Commonwealth.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have asked the Cinematograph Films Council to consider whether any proposals in regard to trade in films might usefully be made at the Commonwealth Economic Conference, and I am awaiting its advice.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs not an important part of the solution to some of the film industry's problems the finding of wider markets? Might not something be done at the Commonwealth Conference by way of making reciprocal agreements with some of the Commonwealth countries, both about the sharing of production facilities and also the promotion of the exhibition of British-made films?
§ Sir D. EcclesIt is because I am hopeful that something in that direction may be done that I have asked the Council's advice.
§ 5. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the lower level of cinema attendances, the development of television, the removal of taxation from all forms of entertainment other than the cinema, and the importance of fostering a film industry for economic, cultural, and prestige purposes, if he will set up a committee to examine and make recommendations upon the future of national policy on film production and exhibition.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir.
§ Mr. SwinglerDoes not the Question mention four very powerful reasons why this might be done? Is not it a fact that in the past independent committees of inquiry have been established from time to time, and have played an important part in making recommendations to the President of the Board of Trade in regard to future legislation? As the right hon. Gentleman has to produce some quota legislation in the near future might not such a committee be valuable?
§ Sir D. EcclesConditions in the industry are changing rather rapidly, as the hon. Member knows. We have made a number of moves to help the industry—the reduction in the duty and the increase in the levy, for example—and I think that it is better for us to watch how things go on and act from time to time than to put the matter in the hands of a committee.
Mr. Gresham CookeCould not the film producers help themselves and reduce their own difficulties by making fewer and rather better films than they do at present?
§ Sir D. EcclesIn my estimation the quality of British films is improving.