asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the progress of his discussions with the film industry arising from the publication of the Plant and Gater reports.

The recommendations in the Gater Report were largely addressed to the film industry itself. The Report has been brought to the attention of the industry, and we have good reason to suppose that progress is being made in the direction of reducing costs on the lines recommended. The Plant Report raised a number of wide questions affecting the organisation of the industry. We have received comments on the Report from many organisations in the industry, and my right hon. Friend has asked the Cinematograph Films Council to consider the various views expressed and to advise him on them.