§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many animated films were produced in the UK in each year for the past five years; and what was the total level of grants provided for UK-produced animations in each of those years. [65990]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 18 January 1999]: Figures on the numbers of animation films produced in the UK are not available.
456WLast year's Government/industry Film Policy Review identified the need to improve the coverage and availability of statistical information on the British film industry. My Department is currently exploring the feasibility of establishing a new and more comprehensive survey of film businesses.
National Lottery film production awards have been available since 1995. Awards to animated films were as follows:
Year £ 1998 516,695 1997 613,330 1996 178,500 1995 66,441 In addition, the Arts Council of England contributes £50,000 per annum to a scheme for experimental animation, which it runs in conjunction with Channel 4. The British Film Institute also provides support to regional film and media bodies whose activities in some cases include support for animation.