asked the President of the Board of Trade how many film studios in this country are not in use.

The percentage of the stage space at British studios suitable for the production of first feature films which is now unoccupied is about 10 per cent. This space is distributed over three studios, one of which is partially in use.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if this figure is likely to increase or decrease, and what are the chances of getting 100 per cent. into operation?

We are keeping the position of each studio under very careful review, and I think that this percentage will shortly decrease. There is a certain degree of uncertainty because of the deadlock before the agreement was reached, and by reason of certain financial difficulties in the industry that we are trying to overcome.

Will the Minister say whether he is taking steps to prevent American film companies acquiring these empty film studios, so long as there is any prospect of any British film company acquiring them themselves?

It was a cardinal point of the recent film agreement that we should not permit American film producers in any way to interfere with the legitimate rights of British film production. If there were any such conflict, I can give to my hon. Friend the assurance he wants.