HC Deb 12 June 1969 vol 784 cc1648-9
16. Mr. Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has now had with the British Film Institute regarding the improvement of the National Film Archive; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Miss Jennie Lee)

A report on the future of the National Film Archive was agreed by the Governors of the British Film Institute on 5th May. The most pressing problem is the duplication of nitrate film. I am glad to say that within the last two weeks I have been able to arrange for £15,000 to be allocated in 1969–70 for this purpose. This is three times as much as the budget figure for 1968–69.

Mr. Allason

I am sure that the House welcomes the improved attitude towards the National Film Archive, but may I ask the right hon. Lady whether she recalls saying that the position was generally unsatisfactory? Is she satisfield that all the problems have been solved by her intervention?

Miss Lee

Certainly not. The position has obviously been improved, but more money will have to be spent. This will depend on the overall grant and also on the priority given by the Governors of the British Film Institute to this particular part of the problem.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this interim improvement will be gratefully received by all concerned with films, but may I ask whether she can offer hope for a further more radical approach to the preserving of films in the reasonably near future?

Miss Lee

My hon. Friend will recall that in a recent debate I said that the Government were in principle in favour of doing what he has just suggested. But this, again, is a matter of priorities and of stepping up the grant as fast as we can when circumstances permit—and I am not slow to ask for increased grants.

Mr. Channon

If the Government are in favour in principle of the statutory deposit of films, why on earth did they vote recently against a Bill which would have provided that power in principle?

Miss Lee

Because it would be necessary to set up a Committee and use the staff of this House going through an exercise when we knew that it had not enough priority to be carried through into law.

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