HL Deb 17 July 1985 vol 466 cc847-8WA
Lord Graham of Edmonton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are prepared to provide matching funds to companies in possession of nitrate film stock in order that it may be preserved, whether in the form of grant-aid, tax concessions or a mixture of both; and

Whether they will make a statement on any plans they have to ensure the preservation of nitrate film stock; and

Whether they will consider imposing legal requirements to ensure that those in possession of nitrate film stock take adequate steps to ensure it is preserved; and

Whether they are satisfied that the present arrangements and methods to ensure the preservation of nitrate film stock are adequate.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Arts (The Earl of Gowrie)

Since 1982 the BFI has allocated some £10 million to the archive from its grant-in-aid. In addition, as mentioned in my reply on Monday 15th July, Mr. J. Paul Getty II has donated nearly £10 million to three BFI projects, one of which is the renewal and rebuilding of their duplication laboratory. These sums are enabling the archive to carry out a 24-year programme for the duplication of its nitrate film stock on to safety film. I do not consider that legal requirements are necessary to safeguard nitrate stock in private possession.