HC Deb 05 March 1990 vol 168 cc582-3
76. Mr. Haynes

To ask the Minister for the Arts whether he has any plans to expand the National Film and Television School.

Mr. Luce

I am increasing the grant to the National Film and Television School from £1.7 million in 1989–90 to £1.85 million in 1991–92 and will shortly be considering plans for its longer-term future.

Mr. Haynes

What a measly increase. When will the Minister do his job properly? Is he aware of the massive expansion of the school? Is he aware that there is a need for a European school? Is he aware of the expansion that there will be, and that the European School needs to be in the United Kingdom? If he funds the school properly, we shall get the European school here. The Minister should remember that we have had many successful actors—we have produced the finest in the world and we want to continue to do so. It is necessary for us, in the United Kingdom, to be involved with the European school.

Hon. Members

Encore.

Mr. Skinner

Will you refuse your Oscar, Frank?

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Luce

The hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) anticipated me. I am deeply disappointed that the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Haynes) has not yet received an Oscar for drama, but no doubt it will come in due course. I know of the hon. Gentleman's interest in the film industry, so I am all the more surprised that he has not acknowledged that in the past 10 years there has been an increase in real terms of 83 per cent. in Government resources and overall resources for the National Film and Television School. If he had acknowledged that, I might have been able to take his question a little more seriously.

Mr. Andrew Mitchell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, according to Radio Nottingham, the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Haynes) has been offered a part in a film by none other than David Puttnam? Can he confirm that, following the hon. Gentleman's departure from the House after the next general election—which all Conservative Members regret—the National Film and Television School will be able to provide a place for the hon. Gentleman if he applies?

Mr. Luce

That is one of the best recommendations that I have heard, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend.