§ Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what directions he has issued to the National Film Finance Corporation in the last three months on the subject of the British Lion company, and what dates.
§ Mr. D. PriceNo such directions have been issued within the last three months.
§ Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will state the names of the organisations from which he has received representations about the proposed sale of the British Lion company by the National Film Finance Corporation; what was the nature of the representations received; and what replies he made to them.
§ Mr. HeathI have received representations from the Federation of Film Unions, the Federation of British Film Makers, the Association of Independent Cinemas, the Cinematograph Exhibitors'Association and the Trades Union Congress. The representations were to the effect that the Government should, through the National Film Finance Corporation, retain controlof or a substantial financial interest in British Lion Films Limited. I informed those concerned of my intention to make an early statement to this House about the future of the company.