HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc656-7
33. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that the Brussels High Commission is considering proposals to establish a statutory film levy in Western Europe, if he will submit evidence of the development of the British system of statutory levy to the Governments of the Six with the object of achieving the greatest possible harmony in Government policies in Western Europe to expand the production of films.

Mr. D. Price

These Governments have already been given details of the British system of statutory films levy through the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Mr. Swingler

Are the observers who were in Brussels when the working party was set up to consider policy still there? Are discussions going on with a view to trying to harmonise policy in view of the importance of encouraging co-production treaties?

Mr. Price

Discussions about the matter raised in the hon. Member's original Question have taken place between the officials of our delegation in Brussels and the European Commission, the channel through which we work.