§ 7. Mr. Oramasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation if he will make a statement about the extent to which his Department is now equipped to make 1430 and distribute films for use in developing countries; and what his future policy is in this respect.
§ Mr. R. CarrMy Department supplies films for use in education and training but does not itself make and distribute them. It also provides experts and training facilities in film making when requested to do so by developing countries.
§ Mr. OramDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that as the work of his Department increases there will be an increasing need for films not just borrowed from other Departments or institutions but specifically directed to the work of his own Department? Ought not he to be thinking of setting up the right sort of film unit within his own Department for these purposes?
§ Mr. CarrI have no doubt that that is a matter that we should keep our eye on, but I am satisfied that up to now it would be wrong for us to take on the big expenditure, heavy commitments and the staff involved in going into the film producing and distributing business. At the moment—and as far as I can see, in the foreseeable future—we are doing the right thing. But I will certainly keep my eye on the situation.