HC Deb 22 June 1978 vol 952 cc300-1W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has decided the level of quota of British films to be shown by exhibitors during the year beginning 1st January 1979.

Mr. Meacher

The Cinematograph Films Council has recommended that there should be no change in the level of exhibitors' quota of 30 per cent. for first-feature films and 25 per cent. for supporting programmes for the year beginning 1st January 1979, in view of the much reduced number of British quota films currently in production. This advice has been accepted. Quota achievement has regularly exceeded this requirement level, averaging over 38 per cent. over the last three years. But since quota requirement has remained at 30 per cent. for over 40 years, despite substantial variations in the availability of British quota films, I have asked the CFC to undertake a major review of the quota principle later this year.