§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that talented people from ethnic minorities participate in the British film industry. [54050]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe Action Committee taking forward the recommendations of the Film Policy Review Group includes ethnic minority representation and will be considering a paper later in the year on the question of improving opportunities for ethnic minority film makers. The British Film Institute is committed to improving access for all to moving image culture and has recently run a number of schemes aimed at new black writers and has also established a new post dedicated to black and minority film cultures. It is encouraging to note that to date more than £10 million of National Lottery money has 703W been awarded by the Arts Council of England to films with black or Asian involvement, representing almost 19 per cent. of the total funds allocated.