HC Deb 21 March 1983 vol 39 cc526-7
7. Mr. Dormand

asked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government's review of its policies towards the film industry.

Mr. Sproat

I have seen many interested organisations and individuals in the course of my review, and there are some meetings still to take place. A statement will be made as soon as the review is complete and I have considered it.

Mr. Dormand

Will the Minister give an assurance that he is considering whether television should make a direct and substantial contribution to the film industry? Is it not intolerable that television should be making so much use of film and yet contributing not one penny towards the film industry?

Mr. Sproat

Yes, I am looking at the first point raised by the hon. Gentleman, although I shall certainly not make up my mind at this stage whether to accept or reject the arguments which, by implication, he makes. The hon. Gentleman's second point has also been made to me by many individuals and organisations and I am considering it.

Mr. Woolmer

Does the Minister accept that Labour Members recognise the achievements and the high standard of the British film industry, which serves not only cinema and television, but, increasingly, the video industry? Will he accept that his review of the film industry must provide for two basic objectives: first, a coherent framework for Government policy in place of the present fragmented response of different Departments; and, secondly, a more substantial, more stable and fairer basis of financial support for the film industry, reflecting, as my hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Mr. Dormand) said, its importance not only to cinemagoers but to television, video and, increasingly, cable television viewers?

Mr. Sproat

I am taking all such matters into consideration.

Mr. Eggar

Was not the decision of my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor to extend capital allowances for a further two years welcome to the television and film industries?

Mr. Sproat

Yes, it was. I am glad that last night Sir Richard Attenborough praised that step. It shows how seriously this Government take the film industry.