HC Deb 27 March 2000 vol 347 c64W
14. Mr. Syms

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the future of the British film industry. [114867]

Janet Anderson

Britain's world-class facilities continue to attract very substantial inward investment and we continue to turn out world-class talent, both in front of and behind the camera. But these great strengths are vulnerable without the commercial infrastructure, particularly in terms of film distribution, that would allow the UK film industry to realise the full economic potential of its talent and skills.

The Government's objective is to create the right conditions for a sustainable UK film industry, through the use of well-targeted tax incentives and the creation of a strategic body, the Film Council, which will provide support in key areas.