§ 86. Major LANE-FOXasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the efforts that many county cricket clubs are making to start county cricket again under considerable financial difficulties; and whether, in view of the national importance and value of cricket, county matches will be exempted from the Entertainments Tax?
§ Mr. BALDWINI see no reason for granting exemption from tax on payments for admission to county cricket matches which would not apply to other forms of outdoor entertainments, and in view of the sacrifice of revenue that would be involved, I regret that I am unable to accept the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that if this tax is applied it will stop cricket in London altogether?
§ Mr. BALDWINI do not know why it should affect cricket more than football and racing. We have not found it has made any impression on those forms of sport.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that at Lord's cricket ground a great deal of money is expended in the hire of professionals to teach men and boys to play cricket?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have heard something of the kind.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the hon. Gentleman make himself further acquainted with the matter, as it is one of considerable importance to a very large number of people in this country?