§ Mr. Nichlas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently employed in the United Kingdom film industry.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe latest reliable information is from the 1991 census of employment. In September 1991, there were 24,200 jobs in the United Kingdom in film production, distribution and exhibition—activity heading 9711 of the 1980 standard industrial classification.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (I) what steps he is taking to improve the training of technicians within the United Kingdom film industry;
(2) how many trainees are currently undergoing apprenticeship courses related to the skills of technicians in the film industry; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what is his policy on the maintenance of the technical skills base for the British film industry;
(4) what assistance is made available by Her Majesty's Government for training technicians for the film industry.
§ Miss WiddecombeOversight of training in the broadcast, film and video industry is the responsibility of Skillset, the recognised industry training organisation. In partnership with the Open university, Skillset has already developed nine national vocational qualifications at levels 2 to 4 covering camera, lighting and sound, and is working with the BBC, ITV and training and enterprise councils to implement them.
503WThe results of a joint Employment Department and Skillset project on training needs in the industry will be announced at ITV Network in London on 19 May 1994. Officials will be working closely with Skillset on their implementation. We are already supporting an industry database of information on training courses.
There are currently 60 trainees on a film and television scheme. I am also hoping that the film industry will shortly be developing, with Government support, a modern apprenticeship model scheme to include technician training for introduction in September 1995.