§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the Budget on the United Kingdom film industry's capacity. [15444]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeThe introduction in the Budget of accelerated 100 per cent. write-off on film production and acquisition has been widely welcomed as an incentive to increase investment and hence capacity. The British Screen Advisory Council has estimated that the new tax relief will generate a 31 per cent. increase in investment in film production over the next three years.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of United Kingdom and co-produced films were(a) released 12W nationally,(b) released in the West end and arthouses only and (c) unreleased in the last year for which figures are available. [15445]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeIn 1995, 23.1 per cent. of United Kingdom and co-production films were released nationally; 34. 6 per cent. were released in the West End and arthouses only; 42.3 per cent were unreleased.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans his Department has to encourage the wider distribution of a greater number of United Kingdom and co-produced films; [15446]
(2) what discussions his Department has had with the main film distributors in the United Kingdom to encourage a greater distribution of United Kingdom and co-produced films. [15447]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeWe have established an all industry working group, headed by myself and Mr. Stewart Till, President of International at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, with the aim of doubling the domestic market share for British films. The working group includes representatives from several of the main distributors in the UK and has also invited evidence from the distribution sector. The recommendations of the Film Review will be published early next year.