HL Deb 17 May 1999 vol 601 cc2-3WA
Baroness Anelay of St. Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Minister for Film, Janet Anderson MP, on 22 February (HC Deb., WA 46–48), what plans have been drawn up to establish a film marketing agency as a result of the discussions held between representatives of the distributors and exhibitors; and when the agency will be launched; and [HL2330]

When the Film Action Report, due to be published in April 1999, will be placed in the Library of the House; and [HL2331]

Further to the Written Answer by the Minister for Film, Janet Anderson MP, on 22 February (HC Deb., WA 46–48), when they will make the announcement regarding the Skills Investment Fund; and whether the training made available by the fund will be extended to acting and directing courses; and [HL2332]

Further to the Written Answer by the Minister for Film Janet Anderson MP, on 22 February (HC Deb., WA 46–48), when the Film Education Working Group will publish the report which was due to be published in April 1999; and [HL2333]

Which British facilities and locations have been used directly as a result of the work of the British Film Office in Los Angeles that was established specifically to encourage Hollywood producers to use British facilities and locations. [HL2334]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The film marketing agency is an industry-led initiative. Discussions are continuing within the relevant trade bodies about how the agency will be constituted and funded. No firm launch date has yet been decided.

The Secretary of State will make an announcement about the achievements of the Film Policy Review Action Committee on 19 May. A copy of the press release will be placed in the Library of the House.

The Secretary of State will make an announcement about the Skills Investment Fund on 19 May. Further details about the training the Skills Investment Fund will make available will be announced then and a copy of the press release will be placed in the Library of the House.

Because of the need for wide consultation on an extensive range of proposals, the Film Education Working Group will now publish its report in June.

Since its establishment, the British Film Office in Los Angeles has provided advice to numerous US productions and assisted them in making use of the studios, facilities, locations, crew and artists available within the UK.