§ After Clause 5, insert the following new clause:
§ ("Levy on feature films, pre-recorded video cassettes or blank video tapes.
§ .The Secretary of State, after one year beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, and after consultation with persons considered by him to be representative of the film production industry may by order made by statutory instrument establish arrangements to supplement the financial assistance provided under section 5(1) of the Act by funds derived from any or all of the following schemes, that is to say—
- (a) a levy from independent television contractors and the BBC of an appropriate sum of money to be determined by him in respect of the showing by them of feature films on television, or
- (b) a levy at such rate as he may determine on pre-recorded video cassettes containing feature film material and sold in the United Kingdom, or
- (c) the appropriate film proceeds of any levy scheme approved by him in respect of blank video tape sold in the United Kingdom.")
§ The Commons disagreed to the above amendment for the following Reason:
§ Because it would infringe the sole and undoubted right of the Commons to impose taxation, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient.