HL Deb 24 February 1953 vol 180 c671

2.44 p.m.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can announce their policy with regard to the future of the British Film Production Fund, in view of the need for producers to be able to plan their programmes a long period ahead, and the fact that uncertainty may lead to a falling off in the production of British films of good quality.]

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are studying this matter closely, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his Answer, may I ask whether he can indicate when there will be some decision? Are Her Majesty's Government aware of the long notice required by producers in order to frame their future programme? It is quite a long time.

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, in answer to the second part of the noble Lord's question, Her Majesty's Government are most certainly aware of the length of time which these matters take. In regard to the first half, I am afraid that if I were to attempt to forecast the probable date of the Government's statement it would probably be unhelpful to the noble Lord and also unfavourable to me.