§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Minister for Trade when the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the supply of films for exhibition in cinemas is to be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe report is published today.
The commission found that a number of monopolies existed in favour of both exhibitors and distributors. It found that the systems of alignment and barring—which restrict distribution and showing of films—are against the public interest. It recommend that the system of barring should be ended, and that instead provisions for exclusive showing of films should be negotiated on a case by case basis.
The commission also found that delays in releasing popular films are against the public interest. It recommend that arrangements be made to ensure that a popular film would not be exhibited for more than four weeks in any cinema unless the film had been made available to competing cinemas.
The commission made a number of supplementary recommendations.
This is a significant report. Following on the commission's earlier report, it reveals continuing restrictions on the distribution and exhibition of films. Many of these may be contrary to the interests of cinema-goers. Some appear to be contrary to the long term interests of the industry itself. The Government will be giving careful consideration to this important report with a view to announcing measures to be taken.
Total visible trade of EC countries with Taiwan US $ million current prices Imports Exports 1974 1982 Percentage change 1974 1982 Percentage change Belgium/Luxembourg 35 104 197 30 51 70 Denmark 9 45 400 7 28 300 France 59 379 542 30 313 943 F.R. Germany 293 929 215 305 534 75 Greece 5 *32 540 0 *0 — Irish Republic 5 *20 300 1 *8 700 Italy 78 251 222 53 119 125 Netherlands 102 257 152 56 127 127 United Kingdom 156 587 276 91 220 142 * January to November, at annual rate. Source: OECD Series 'A'.