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I feel that the panel of experts - just producers and theatrical distributors, is far too narrowly drawn.

Why are there no viewpoints from sales agents and exhibitors? There are many other cultural, educational activities (not just the BFI) that the UKFC funded either directly or through funding channeled to regional agencies. Viewpoints from all these areas would all provide a fuller picture of the impacts and needs.

To set out my own view - any Government needs to be able to engage coherently with the film industry and this can't be done without the UKFC, or a similar body. The DCMS doesn't currently have the capacity to understand the detailed workings of the film industry, and this will especially so after its done its own internal cutbacks.

The multiple bodies such as the BFI that reported directly to DCMS, were dealing with uncomprehending civil servants and junior ministers who lasted 12-18 months on average. Public policy was an incoherent mess and this is being resurrected if the closure of the UKFC proceeds.

Over the last 10 years, Government would take a very broad policy view for film in general and award an annual overall sum to the sector leaving the detailed allocations to the UKFC, who could at least give out what's available in an informed way to all areas.

People might disagree with the UKFC's decisions, but they are accessible people, that read the trades and attend industy events etc. Try knocking ones head against the brick wall of a Govt Dept to whom very basic things have to be constantly explained.