Loach blasts Cameron film comments

Loach, 74, claimed the Prime Minister's "ignorance was staggering", suggesting his bookshelves were only packed with "American airport novels".

The director, whose films include The Wind That Shakes the Barley and Bread and Roses, said the Government should help the distribution of low-budget movies if it had a "serious regard for its culture".

His comments came after the Prime Minister told the Commons British film producers should learn from the success of Harry Potter and concentrate on making films people wanted to see.

"Cameron's ignorance is staggering. Doesn't he realise that the profits American blockbusters generate go back to the States?

"The sad thing is his view of films as shallow entertainment demeans the great possibility of cinema. His bookshelves must only contain American airport novels but what can we expect from a pompous yob from the Bullingdon Club?"

He added: "The Philistinism of this Government in particular is shocking but that's what we should expect from people like Cameron. I think he wants cinema to provide a little high entertainment while he demolishes the NHS and creates mass unemployment. If he thinks no-one will notice, he has another thing coming."

Earlier, the Prime Minister was asked in the Commons by Tory MP Richard Harrington (Watford) if the Government would find new ways to support British film producers, following plans by Warner Brothers to buy Leavesden Studios, home to the Harry Potter set.

In reply, Mr Cameron said: "I think one of the keys to Warner's success in your constituency is the Harry Potter film franchise which they have been making. It has been incredibly successful."