§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what work she did with the British film industry to implement a new joint-funded strategy for the development of the industry by April 2000; and if she will make a statement. [83741]
§ Dr. HowellsFollowing a comprehensive review of film policy in 1998, my Department set up the Film Council in April 2000 to act as the Government's expert adviser on film, and help develop a sustainable British film industry. In its relatively short life, the Film Council has already put in place a number of initiatives to help deliver its goals. We also set up the Skills Investment Fund, which is administered by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio-visual industries. All film536W productions in the UK are invited to contribute to the fund, which Skillset invests in training and skills development for the British film industry.