I was told that film cement was no longer being manufactured; has anyone else heard of this. I see that even supermarket chain Tesco advertise Hama Film Cement online. if the worst comes to the worst, it's possible to manufacture it yourself.

I haven´t heard about that, but I believe I have a lifetime supply. Some bottles are 40+ years old, but still do the job. And as you say, you can make your own cement.

A little goes a long way.

Quite simple, Acetone with some film fragments dissolved in it, at a fraction of the cost.

The same person who told me that Film Cement was no longer available, said that Acetone had to be obtained from France as it was not available here?. An old book I have just talks of putting a few pieces of film in alcohol, would that work?

A quick Google reveals that Acetone is widely available in the UK.

I don't think alcohol would break your film down Robert, acetone is available from any chemist or supermarket, look under Ladies
Make up stuff, they use it to remove nail varnish, not available in the UK? I'd like to hear the response from our lady friends if that were true.