asked the President of the Board of Trade what decision has been reached by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development on removing restrictions on the import, export and distribution of films intended exclusively for showing on television and if he will give an assurance that such decision will not affect the proportions of television programmes, transmitted in this country, which are of British origin and performance.

The Organisation recently decided to add to its Liberalisation Code an obligation on member countries to grant any authorisations required for the export, import, distribution and commercial use of television films. Our arrangements do not involve the issue of authorisations for these purposes and I am therefore happy to give my hon. Friend the assurance he seeks.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that assurance will be received with great satisfaction by all concerned with the industry and by viewers, who have thus been spared a flood of foreign material which they can well do without?