§ 3. Mr. Durantasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has any immediate plans to meet representatives of the film industry.
§ 32. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will be providing preliminary information prior to the drafting of legislation to establish a British film authority; and, if so, in what form this will be provided and when.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Michael Meacher)My right hon. Friend and I are always ready to meet representatives of the film industry. I have had discussions with the representatives of the British Film Producers Association, the Association of Independent Producers, the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association and the Association of Independent Cinemas. My right hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Dell) has also met the chairman of the Interim Action Committee and some of his colleagues. I hope to make a statement at about the turn of the year regarding future legislation.
§ Mr. DurantCan the Minister therefore say that there will be some legislation on the matter during this Parliament, or that there will not? We should like clarification as to whether or not there is a definite intention to legislate. This is the point that is causing the anxiety.
§ Mr. MeacherWe certainly intend legislation in this Parliament, in the form of a National Film Finance Corporation Bill, because we are committed to ensuring that the NFFC has enough funds for the next five years, or until it is subsumed under the British film authority. We are certainly committed to ensuring that its funds do not run out in this Session.