British Film Production Fund Limited

HC Deb 13 December 1956 vol 562 cc77-8W

66. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade what staff is at present employed to administer the British Film Production Fund.

Mr. Erroll

Most of the people engaged on this work do not devote to it more than a part, and often only a small part, of their time. This is particularly true of Customs officers. It would therefore be misleading to give any figure in reply to this Question.

67. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the average annual administrative cost of maintaining the British Film Production Fund in the last five years; and how this cost has been covered.

Mr. Erroll

The collection of the greater part of the levy has been carried out by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise without charge to the British Film Production Fund Ltd. The value of these services is estimated at £6,000 per annum. The remaining cost of administration has average £23,500 per annum for the last five years and has been paid out of the levy collected from exhibitors.