HC Deb 06 July 1988 vol 136 c599W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will agree to meet a deputation from the work force at Elstree film studios to discuss the implications for employment and redundancies of the sale of the studios by the Cannon Group; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butcher

[holding answer 5 July 1988]: The Government regret the redundancies announced by Cannon, but note that employees in the post-production department will be offered jobs when that department is relocated. It would not be appropriate for the Government to intervene in a commercial decision taken by the company.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his policy towards the future development of the British film industry in the light of the sale by the Cannon Group of its Elstree studios.

Mr. Butcher

[holding answer 5 July 1988]: The fortunes of the British film industry have traditionally been cyclical. The Government maintain the view that current economic conditions offer a sound framework for the British film industry to operate successfully on a commercial basis.