asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will raise the first-feature film quota for 1964–65 to 50 per cent.

The quota for 1964 is already in force. I shall decide the quota for 1965 in the light of the advice which I expect to receive from the Cinematograph Films Council in April.

When considering that advice, will the right hon. Gentleman consider that recent experience seems to show that it would be perfectly practicable for the trade to fulfil a 50 per cent. quota? Is not it important that he should now take a step which would give a boost, particularly to the independent film producers, and try to maintain the expansion of the film industry?

The facts show, as the hon. Gentleman realises, that the size of the quota being fulfilled at the moment is between 45 per cent. and 50 per cent. It is the intention of the circuits that it should remain at this. I feel that there is no point in incurring the disadvantages this year which would arise from fixing a higher quota because the advantages are already there, but when it comes to April I shall consider the situation for 1965.