Cinemas (Film Quotas)

HC Deb 02 May 1961 vol 639 cc1119-20

32. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state for British first and supporting programme films, respectively, the average quota achievement of the cinemas in the third, national, circuit; and how many cinemas in this circuit defaulted.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Cinemas which normally take the National Release are not required to inform the Board of Trade of this fact. Consequently, figures of the average quota achievement and the number of quota defaults of these cinemas are not available. It is known, however, that so far as cinemas controlled by the Rank Organisation are concerned, none of them, including those in the national circuit, failed to achieve the prescribed quotas in the year ended 30th September last.

Mr. Swingler

Is the hon. Gentleman investigating the situation, especially with a view to trying to get the figures? Is he aware of the complaints of producers that the third circuit is not independent of A.B.C. and Rank, as it should be, and that, therefore, it is not making a contribution towards stimulating British film production? If the hon. Gentleman does not have the figures, we are unable to judge whether that is so. Will he, therefore, consult the exhibitors to see whether these figures can be produced in order to compare them with the A.B.C. and Rank circuits?

Mr. Macpherson

The position regarding the independent cinemas that belong to the so-called third circuit is that this is simply a normal business arrangement as to whether they belong to it. They are not obliged to report to us. I will look into what the hon. Member has said to see whether it is possible to get the figures, but there is no statutory obligation on the members of the third circuit to report the fact that they are members.

Mr. Swingler

I am asking the hon. Gentleman whether he will not make it an obligation. The whole purpose of the circuit is to try to have three opportunities for producers to get their films shown on a basis that will return their costs of production. Unless the Parliamentary Secretary can get the figures for circuit showings for the third circuit, we are unable to judge whether it is having this effect compared with A.B.C. and Rank.

Mr. Macpherson

I have taken note of what the hon. Member has said and will consider it.