§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to meet the application of the British Film Institute for a supplementary grant to meet the impost of VAT on its activities.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsGrants to the institute take account of all relevant expenses, including the net position in relation to value added tax.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make an additional grant to the British Film Institute to help finance the programme of selective acquisition of films calculated to cost approximately £1 million during the current year.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsNo.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he will introduce legislation requiring the statutory deposit of films in a national collection at the British Film Institute;
(2) what is his policy towards the findings of the working party under the chairmanship of Lord Lloyd of Hampstead on the statutory deposit of films with the British Film Institute.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsThe issue of statutory deposit of films raises many complex matters involving the resources of the institute and the effects on the film industry. I would be ready to consider with my colleagues recommendations from the institute on this topic, but I should make it clear that at the present time there are no prospects of a substantial increase in Exchequer grant for this purpose.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has considered the provision of grant to the British Film Institute on a quinquennial basis; and what have been the reasons for any conclusions he has come to.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsNo. I see no virtue in departing from the present arrangements for a grant-in-aid annually approved by Parliament.