§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the membership, aims and strategy of broadcasting sponsorship unit. [27361]
§ Mr. Dorrell[holding answer 13 June 1995]: I established a new division in my Department in April to sponsor the broadcasting and audiovisual industry.
The recent White Paper "Competitiveness: Forging Ahead" (Cmd 2867) set out the Government's principal aim for, and general approach to, industrial sponsorship: working with UK industry to help it compete more effectively at home and abroad. Over the coming months, the new division, in consultation with the industry, will be developing a detailed strategy for its work with the broadcasting and audiovisual sector.
The division is headed by a grade 5 on loan from the Department of Trade and Industry who currently has two other staff in post. Further staff are being recruited. I envisage a mix of officials and those with practical experience of the industry.