asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he is aware of the concern of independent film exhibitors in connection with the competition offered by pay television; and what action he is taking to protect the interests of independent exhibitors in this matter.

Yes, Sir. I am satisfied that the legitimate interests of the exhibitors in the areas of the pay television experiments will be adequately protected by the arrangement announced by my hon. Friend the Assistant Postmaster-General on 5th May.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say when he will announce the terms of compensation which should arise for independent exhibitors in the areas where there will be experimental pay television?

Some of the details of the arrangements are still being worked out by my Department and that of my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General in consultation with the interests concerned. As soon as they are completed, we shall make an announcement.

As the pay television companies will be in direct competition with cinematograph exhibitors, will they be obliged to pay the statutory levy for film production?

I should like to have notice of that. It is an important matter. If the hon. Gentleman will table a Question, I will certainly give him the details.