HC Deb 16 February 1998 vol 306 cc451-2W
Mr. Hopkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to encourage overseas film-makers to use British studios and expertise. [27703]

Mr. Tom Clarke

I am currently co-chairing with Stewart Till of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment a Film Policy Review which, amongst other things, is looking at further ways of promoting inward investment into the UK.

The British Film Commission and the network of regional film commissions already undertake work to encourage overseas film production to this country.

In addition, the 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. 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.