HC Deb 02 July 1963 vol 680 c175
6. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further progress has been made in the negotiation of treaties for the co-production of films between the United Kingdom and other European countries.

Mr. Erroll

We have sent our detailed proposals for a co-production treaty to the Governments of France, Germany and Italy. The Italian Government have already agreed to preliminary talks early this month.

Mr. Swingler

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the fact that this has taken a very long time? Is it not a long time ago that this idea was mooted and was very favourably considered on all sides? Could the right hon. Gentleman explain why it has been such a lengthy and complicated business to get these negotiations going?

Mr. Erroll

This has proved to be the first mutually convenient opportunity.

Sir C. Osborne

Why has my right hon. Friend not included the Soviets in these proposals in view of the fact that they told me in Moscow quite recently that they would like to exchange more films with us or see more films by us?

Mr. Erroll

This is not for the exchange of films but for co-production arrangements, which is a quite different subject.