§ 10. Mr. Hopkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take to assist the British film industry.
§ Mr. JayBritish film production already receives a wide measure of assistance and the studios are well occupied.
§ Mr. HopkinsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some very fine films have been produced recently by the independent producers? Is he satisfied that the arrangements are working to the benefit of independent producers as a whole?
§ Mr. JayYes, Sir. From my information, the producers of a large number of successful films recently made have had independent control over scripts and production arrangements.
§ Mr. Peter MillsWill the right hon. Gentleman continue to give every assistance to this industry, particularly that part of the industry concerned with television films? Will he bear in mind that many of us are sick and tired of the importation of American films for T.V. and it is high time that British films had a fair share in T.V. programmes?
§ Sir Harmar NichollsIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that those who have studied the problem will consider his first Answer very complacent and not reflecting the true position in Britain?
§ Mr. JayThat is not my information from the industry, but if the hon. Member wants to make special representations I shall be delighted to listen to them.
§ Mr. Peter EmeryWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean when he says that the Government will do all they reasonably can? The complaint of the film industry is that not enough is being done and a great deal more needs to be done by the Board of Trade on this matter to encourage the British film industry to make films so that we do not have to import American rubbish for television.
§ Mr. JayThe hon. Member must know of the things which are being done. There is a quota in force and there is the National Film Finance Corporation and the special levy introduced by the previous Labour Government.