§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received concerning use of tax allowances by(a) independent film makers and (b) television producers. [36922]
§ Dr. HowellsOfficials from my department have met a number of independent film producers, television producers, and broadcasters, as well as representatives from industry trade organisations, and the Film Council, to discuss the use of tax allowances. The views expressed were passed to the Inland Revenue as changes to the tax relief are, ultimately, a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the extent to which tax allowances have been taken up by(a) independent film makers and (b) television shows. [36924]
§ Dr. HowellsAbout 50 per cent. of the tax relief, by value, goes to film producers, and 50 per cent. to television producers. The vast majority of applications from film makers for a 'British film' certificate to access 1109W the tax relief are from independent film makers, as opposed to the small number of films made each year in the UK by the major Hollywood studios.