§ 28. Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what measures her Department is taking to support the British film industry. [12245]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe British film industry is in a buoyant state, with record numbers of films going into production and record cinema attendances in 1996. The Government will continue to provide significant public funds to support the industry. Next year, my Department will provide around £23.5 million to the British Film Institute, the National Film and Television School, British Screen Finance, the European co-production fund and the British Film Commission. Substantial support will also be given to various European programmes.
In addition, the national lottery has already awarded more then £66 million. This includes nearly £39 million for 106 film productions. The Government are also taking forward a number of initiatives recommended by the Advisory Committee on Film Finance.