§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list those London boroughs of which he is aware which(a) have fully dedicated personnel working to attract film production companies to locations and facilities in their area and (b) which do not have such facilities.
§ Mr. BrookeI am informed that no London borough has personnel dedicated solely to this work, but all have staff who combine it with other tasks such as press, marketing, or sponsorship work.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps he is taking to ensure that overseas film producers have access to a single co-ordinating body which is specifically intended to give advice on film locations and facilities in London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe British Film Commission, which is funded by my Department, is helping to finance a series of studies on the establishment of film commissioners in those areas of the United Kingdom, such as London, where no such bodies yet exist. As part of the research, business plans will be drawn up for use in raising funds for the establishment of commissions for London and elsewhere.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if he will make a statement setting out the background of representations he has received and made about the future of the Elstree film studios;
(2) when he last met the owners of the Elstree film studios to discuss with them the current plans for the redevelopment of the site as a major retail outlet;
(3) what plans he has to make it his policy to seek to intervene to initiate discussions between relevant parties in an attempt to preserve the Elstree film studios as an ongoing commercial venture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe future use of Elstree studios is a matter for the commercial judgment of the owners, subject to any planning consent which may have to be obtained. Although I have received a number of representations about the matter, I have not met the owners of the studios and have no plans to intervene.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what information he has concerning the financial and other incentives which are made available by the Republic of Ireland to attract investment by film production companies.
§ Mr. BrookeThis is not a matter for the United Kingdom Government, but the Irish authorities are happy to provide Members with the information sought and I will place it in the Library when it is received.