§ 32. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the remark of the military representative at Bo'ness recruiting on 25th May to the effect that the Amusements Tax on cinema theatres was the first step in the way of closing those places; whether there is any justification for this; and whether he will instruct military representatives to adhere to their own duties?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe question whether there is any justification for the suggestion that the Amusements Tax on cinema theatres is the first step in the direction of closing those places is one which only my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer could answer. Whether he would answer it I cannot say. If the military representative at Bo'ness delivered his individual views as a citizen on the propriety of this step, I cannot think that this is a matter deserving public notice in this House.
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes the right hon. Gentleman defend a military representative in a military tribunal considering the case of a cinema operator stating that this was the beginning of the closing down of cinema theatres, and is that the duty of a military representative?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt all depends upon the circumstances in which the military representative made the observations. It is really rather like passing the time of day.