§ Baroness Anelay of St. Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will lay the Statutory Instrument referred to in their Press Release DCMS 291/98 (25 November 1998) to modify the definition of what constitutes a British film so that the definition takes account of the growing number of international 52WA co-productions which bring investment to Britain; and whether the terms of such a Statutory Instrument would require prior clearance by the European Commission before it could be laid in this House; and, if so, whether such clearance has been sought. [HL2034]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyUnder the EU Treaty provisions relating to state aids, the planned revision of the statutory film definition must be cleared by the EU Commission prior to being laid before Parliament. We are currently awaiting that clearance. Assuming no unforeseen delays in the clearance process, we intend to lay the statutory instrument in time for it to come into force in July.
The revision is intended to make the criteria set out in Schedule 1 to the Films Act 1985 more practical and user-friendly. Schedule 1 criteria apply to films made principally in the UK. International co-productions will continue to qualify as British films if they fulfil the terms of the UK's international co-production agreements.