§ 20. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the continued closure of cinemas and the resulting predominance of two major circuits, he will reconsider the question of introducing a different and higher level of British quota for these circuits, compared with other cinemas.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend has no power under the Films Act, 1960, to prescribe a different and higher level of quota for circuit cinemas.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that this suggestion was made when the quota legislation was last revised and that a request by the President of the Board of Trade for legislative power to do this would be welcome? If we are to maintain the level of British film production with fewer outlets as cinemas close, it is necessary to have a higher quota. In view of the predominant position of the two major circuits, is it not ridiculous to continue with a situation in which the two major circuits have only the same quota as the remaining and smaller cinemas?
§ Mr. MacphersonIt is a fact that the two circuits are achieving a higher quota, but the reasons why this suggestion was rejected at the time remain valid.