Films (Hansard, 18 October 2001)

§ Miss McIntosh
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on Government support for the distribution of UK-produced films. [8053]

§ Dr. Howells
As part of its objective to help develop a sustainable -British film industry, the Film Council is looking at the question of support for the UK film distribution sector. The Film Council currently invests in individual film productions which can, on a case-by-case basis, include support for the distribution of that film in the UK.

§ Miss McIntosh
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how many British-made films have benefited from EU funds in the last five years; and if she will make a statement; [8055]
(2) if she will list the films produced in the UK in the last five years which have received EU funds, stating the sum involved in each case. [8057]

§ Dr. Howells
EU funding for film over the last five years was discharged through the MEDIA II programme. The MEDIA programme is intended to encourage the development of European films and the distribution of films around Europe. The total funding awarded by MEDIA II to UK films in the last five years was approximately 14 million euros (approximately £8.8 million at today's rates) for film development and approximately 38 million euros (approximately £23.9 million at today's rates) for theatrical film distribution. The distribution figure was the sum awarded outside the UK for distribution of British films in Europe.
I am placing more detailed information on the MEDIA II Programme and the awards made in the Libraries of both Houses.