Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 10 December 2007 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Independent Cinemas

Question: Given that two out of three of our independent cinemas still do not have a digital projector, and given the right hon. Lady's warm words about them, does she have a strategy for digital switchover for the rest of our independent cinemas?

Answer: I do not have a strategy, but the Film Council does. It is investing £11 million. About one in four of our cinemas have been converted. Of course, it must consider how it can take that further. It has just received a very generous funding settlement over the next spending review period and I have absolutely no doubt that it will bear the hon. Gentleman's words and my love for cinema in mind as it decides how to distribute those moneys.

Secondary information