§ Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade how many first-feature films are under production in the United Kingdom at present; how his figure compares with those of 12 months and two years ago, respectively; and if he is satisfied that it is sufficient for the maintenance of the present quota.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThere is no method of telling which long films now being produced will be booked as first-feature films. At the end of September this year, 13 long films were on the floor in British studios compared with 12 and 24 at the same time in 1953 and 1952, respectively; but these monthly figures are an unreliable guide to the annual rate of production.
Having taken the advice of the Cinematograph Films Council, I am satisfied that from the number of long films likely to be available in the current quota year ending 30th September, 1955, exhibitors will find enough to fulfil their first-feature quotas. It is in any event probable that more long films will be made in 1954–55 than in 1952–53.