§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received advocating suspension of the British film quota; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimBefore introducing the Films (Quotas) Order 1981 I consulted the various trade bodies as well as my advisory body, the Cinematograph Films Council. Opinion was evenly divided between these bodies as to suspension or retention of existing levels, although a few gave no conclusive view. My hon. Friend will be aware that this order, which reduces the level of quota, was debated in Standing Committee on 28 July 1981, and in another place before being approved, and comes into operation with effect from 1 January 1981. Since those debates, except for a letter from my hon. Friend himself, all the representations I have received have been for restoration of levels with none advocating suspension.
As was indicated during those debates, I propose to review the situation again once some experience has been gained of operating the system with a 15 per cent. quota level.