§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what steps he is taking to encourage national training schemes for television and film scriptwriters; [127107]
(2) if he will make a statement on the future funding of the Television Arts Performance Showcase. [127108]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 21 June 2000]I am aware of the work of the Television Arts Performance Showcase and the significant contribution to television and film by writers who have participated in the scheme. It is at present largely for the industry to324W determine which training schemes to support and we have asked the Audio- Visual Industries Training Group, which we established to consider how to meet broadcasting industry skills needs to include scriptwriting in its considerations. The Group is due to report towards the end of the year. The new Film Council has identified training for scriptwriters as a priority area for funds which will be available from the autumn to support training.