Film stuntmen will be allowed to import detonators and charges 'for their own use' under plans to relax controls over use of explosives in films.
Bans on powerful explosives will also be lifted and stuntmen will be empowered to monitor the delivery and storage of explosives.
The Entertainment Special Effects Bill, to be gazetted tomorrow, aims to simplify controls and create a licensing system for stuntmen, who will be classified into three grades.
Sixty-eight stuntmen have taken training courses run by the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority. Twelve have Class II qualifications and seven are undergoing Class I training of handling more dangerous explosives.
Application procedures will also be simplified.
At present, a film-maker must apply to up to five departments for licences to shoot a scene involving explosives.
The bill seeks to set up a new licensing authority to screen stuntmen and issue permits for use of dynamite for film stunts.