HC Deb 20 July 1982 vol 28 cc99-101W
Mr. Henderson

asked the Minister for Trade whether he intends to exercise the powers given to him by section 7 of the Films Act 1980.

Mr. Peter Rees

[pursuant to his reply, 19 July 1982, c. 2.]: The latest available information is as follows:

respectively, expressing this as a percentage of total imports, and indicating, in each case, how much comes from outside Western Europe.

Mr. Peter Rees

[pursuant to his reply, 19 July 1982, c. 3.]: The latest available information is as follows:

respectively, expressing this as a percentage of total exports, and indicating how much goes outside Western Europe, in each case.

Mr. Peter Rees

[pursuant to his reply, 19 July 1982, c. 3]: The latest available information is as follows:

Mr. Sproat

I have been considering the continuing value of the provisions of the Films Act 1960 which impose upon cinema exhibitors the obligation to show a certain percentage of British or Community films and to keep records and make returns. I have consulted the Cinematograph Films Council and I am aware of the views of the industry generally and of the film unions.

I have decided the quota requirements are no longer necessary and I therefore intend to bring forward an order under section 7 of the Films Act 1980 to suspend them as from 1 January 1983.

Taking into account the parlous state of the film industry and the serious shortage of films I do not think the behaviour of exhibitors in showing all the British or Community film they can will change, but they will be relieved of a formidable and unnecessary administrative burden.