§ 19. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade on what date he received notice of the proposed closure of the Walton-on-Thames film studios and an appeal for Government assistance to keep it going; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. MaudlingOn 18th January Mrs. Hannah Fisher, one of the principal shareholders in Walton Studios Ltd., informed me that she would welcome the opportunity to keep Walton as a going concern provided that the offer compared favourably with what had already been received. I do not consider Government financial assistance appropriate in a matter of this kind.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the right hon. Gentleman pay attention to the fact that, if film studios continue to close at this rate, there will be no production potential left in the British film industry? As he is statutorily responsible for maintaining a film industry in this country, will not he take some action to ensure that this, one of our original film studios, is kept open for the industry?
§ Mr. MaudlingI do not agree. If there were a shortage of space for film making the price would go up and people would pay more to get the space.