§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to 233W ensure that publicly funded regional film theatres do not compete unfairly with the purely commercial sector; and if he will make a statement. [150544]
§ Mr. Chris SmithRegional film theatres tend to show a wider range of films than commercial cinemas. Public funds also support screenings for minority audiences or for educational purposes and in rural areas. There are also initiatives between public and commercial sectors aimed at making available a broader programme at mainstream cinemas. I am not aware of any difficulties arising from these longstanding policies. The Film Council is developing a strategy for cinema exhibition which it aims to complete by September, building on the work of the British Film Institute.