HC Deb 28 July 1978 vol 954 cc963-4W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether, following his decision that the birth of the test-tube baby in Oldham should be filmed by the Central Office of Information he is satisfied that the Central Office of Information has the commercial expertise to raise the maximum revenue from the film;

(2) if he will make a statement on the financial arrangements reached between the Central Office of Information and the doctors and the hospital concerned for the filming of the birth of the first test-tube baby in Oldham;

(3) if he will set out his reasons for deciding that the birth of the test-tube baby in Oldham should be filmed by the Central Office of Information and not by an independent television company;

(4) whether he is satisfied that the sum of money raised by the Central Office of Information through film rights of the birth of the test-tube baby in Oldham will provide the source of greater financial benefit to research as those guaranteed by an independent television company;

(5) whether he is satisfied that the Central Office of Information is able to make prompt enough arrangements for the world-wide sale of the film of the birth of the test-tube baby in Oldham to replace the satellite transmission to the United States of America by an independent television company.

Mr. Moyle

The decision to ask the COI to produce a film to assist in the evaluation of the behaviour of the baby at birth and to provide a historical record, was not made on commercial grounds. I am nevertheless satisfied that the COI has the necessary expertise to make a competent film and ensure an appropriate return for its use. The COI entered into no financial arrangement. Mrs. Brown was a NHS patient, and the Government's sole concern was that the NHS should not become involved in an auction for the TV rights, nor appear to be giving any advantage to one TV company. There is no question of "raising maximum revenue" from the film, and after repayment of the production costs, I would expect any balance to accrue to the National Health Service.

The timing of the release of the film is governed by the Department's obligation to observe the wishes of the parents. It is obvious, therefore, that immediate satellite distribution to the United States was precluded, but the COI anticipates continuing overseas interest in the film, including the USA.