HC Deb 08 May 2000 vol 349 cc317-8W
23. Ms Ward

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what benefits the new Film Council will bring to the British film industry. [119896]

Janet Anderson

The Film Council brings together in one body the previous mechanisms for Government film support. It has the remit and resources to deliver, for the first time, a comprehensive strategy for the development of a sustainable film industry.

Mr. White

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact of his recent measures to support the film industry. [119891]

Janet Anderson

Over the past three years, we have put in place a more effective framework of support for film and have forged a much closer working relationship with the film industry. The Film Policy Review led to a range of positive developments, including the creation of the Skills Investment Fund and the British Film Office in Los Angeles, and culminated in the launch of the Film Council, which last week announced the first phase of a comprehensive strategy for the development of the film industry.