§ 8. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the anxiety in the film industry about the future of the quota system; what proposals he has to meet the situation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. RodgersI am sorry to learn that there is anxiety in the film industry on this topic. The quota provisions of the present legislation expire on 30th September, 1960, and fresh legislation will be introduced in due course to extend the quota arrangements.
§ Mr. SwinglerAre the people in the Board of Trade Film Division aware that it takes at least fifteen months, and sometimes two years, to plan a film production and that the British film industry is based to some extent on the quota system? Therefore, is it not possible for the President of the Board of Trade to make some statement about this subject? In view of the uncertainty about what might happen after September, 1960, and the harmful effect which this uncertainty may have on the British film industry in the next twelve months, cannot some assurance be given, or have we to wait until the next Session or possibly the next Parliament?
§ Mr. RodgersMy Answer gave that assurance. As soon as the present arrangement expires, it will be renewed.
§ Mr. RankinIs not the hon. Gant le-man failing to understand the situation? Should not talks be started now? Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether consultations are taking place now or whether he proposes to enter into such consultations with the film industry?
§ Mr. RodgersConsultations with the industry have already taken place and the advice of the Cinematograph Films Council was received some time ago, in 219 time to enable a Bill to have been introduced; but, alas, Parliamentary time did not permit it to date.