§ 15. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade how many films have been imported from the countries of the Common Market into Great Britain in each of the last five years; how many British films have been exported to these countries; and how these figures compare with film imports and exports between Great Britain and the countries of the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe numbers of long films originating in Common Market countries and registered at the Board of Trade in each of the five years ending 31st March, 1961, were 72, 66, 56, 69 and 83 respectively. Similar figures for films made in Commonwealth countries are 9, 6, 4, 9 and 2. Parallel information about the number of British films imported by the various Common Market and Commonwealth countries is not available.
§ Mr. SwinglerCannot the right hon. Gentleman yet give any indication of the policy of the Common Market organisation in regard to film imports and exports, especially with regard to quotas and subsidies? Cannot he say what effects this policy is likely to have on the British film industry?
§ Mr. MaudlingIt is difficult enough to answer Questions on the policy of my Department; it would be even more difficult to answer for the policy of the Common Market, but if I can obtain any inforamtion I shall be glad to let the hon. Member have it.