Shepperton Studios (Hansard, 19 July 1973)

§ Mr. Anthony Grant

The NFFC has had further discussions with Lion International Ltd. following the agreement in principle which I announced on 7th November 1972—[Vol. 845, c.136–7]. It has now agreed detailed terms with the company, particulars of which are being issued to the Press today in the following statement: National Film Finance Corporation ('NFFC'), Lion International Limited ('Lion') and Shepperton Studios Limited announce that, pursuant to the agreement in principle announced on 7th November 1972, they have now agreed detailed arrangements concerning the future of the facilities at Shepperton Studios.

The present agreement ensures the continuation of Shepperton as a major British film production centre, improves its commercial viability, and in no way impairs existing facilites. In due course, however, the unused land which will not form part of the revised Shepperton facilities will be released from NFFC's veto restrictions.

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Of the 11 film stages currently available at Shepperton 8 will be retained under the new arrangements. These 8 stages account for over 90 per cent. of the existing stage space there and they include the silent stage (H), the largest stage in Europe. Apart from the 3 surplus stages (I, J and K), the only facilities excluded from the revised studio layout are a scene dock and the Old House which is currently used for administration purposes. The scene dock facilities will be provided within the scope of buildings existing within the reorganised studio. Although the Old House is excluded from the new studio boundaries, this building and the lawn in front of it are expected to remain available for studio administration purposes and for occasional filming.

Because there are no film lot facilities within the revised studio boundaries, Lion has obtained from the Metropolitan Water Board an agreement to grant a lease for a term of 20 years of 5 acres of open ground adjacent to the existing studio area and these 5 acres will be used as a lot. The Metropolitan Water Board will have the right in certain special circumstances to determine the lease on twelve months' notice, but in that event Lion would anticipate no difficulty in arranging alternative lot facilities. Additionally, arrangements have been entered into which will make available further facilities in the close vicinity of the studios for shooting river scenes and wooded areas.

The maps attached to this statement show:

(a) The boundaries of the studio owned by Shepperton Studios Limited comprising an area of about 60 acres.
(b) The boundaries of the new film production site to which NFFCs veto restrictions will continue to apply in future comprising an area of about 20 acres.
(c) The new lot areas.

The Board of Lion states, with the full support of J. H. Vavasseur & Co. Ltd., majority shareholders in Lion: 'As a matter of firm policy Lion has determined that it will continue to operate a major film studio at Shepperton for so long as this activity may be maintained on a basis of commercial viability. The Board of Lion is therefore prepared: A. To agree manning levels with each of the unions represented amongst the work force at Shepperton and to enter into all reasonable undertakings as to future employment in the light of these agreements. B. To take active steps to optimise the long term trading position within the boundaries agreed with NFFC as the new studio complex. C. To finance a programme or re-equipment currently being planned'.

I am arranging to have a copy of the maps referred to above placed in the Library.

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