§ 11. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will now bring forward proposals to deal with monopolistic practices in the film industry and cinema trade.
§ Mr. HeathAs the House is aware, the Cinematograph Films Council has recommended that, provided it should be practicable, the introduction of a larger measure of competition into film exhibition would be advantageous. I hope shortly to make a statement on this matter.
§ Mr. SwinglerDoes the Secretary of State recall that he received this report in early February? Has he not received from the film unions a rather urgent request, in the form of a telegram I believe, to consider the state of the film industry? Would he not, therefore, agree that it is about time, since there has been a long lapse, that Parliament discussed the state of the industry in view of the continued tendency towards monopoly?
§ Mr. HeathThe Cinematograph Films Council itself took 20 months to consider the matter and produce a report. It emphasised how complicated and technical this is. I do not think it unfair that we should have proper time to consider the report and to reach conclusions on it.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the right hon. Gentleman agree that Parliament should discuss it?