§ 41. Mr. BAKERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has completed his inquiries with regard to the alleged failure of houses of entertainment to pass on to their patrons the reductions in Entertainments Duty; whether his inquiries have included the Berridge Road Picture House, Nottingham; whether he is aware that, when the proprietor was interrogated on the 27th June as to his intention to conform with the undertaking given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he replied that he was proposing to maintain his prices at the old level; and whether, seeing that the prices charged for admission to this house are the same as they were before the Budget was introduced, he will take steps to deal with this situation?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe particular case mentioned by my hon. Friend has not previously been brought to my notice. On the general question involved, I would refer him to the full statement which I made in Committee on the Finance Bill on the 30th June.
§ Captain BRASSHas the right hon. Gentleman asked for reports from the country on this subject, or is he merely relying on the reports which are sent to him?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe hon. and gallant Member was evidently not in the House when this matter was debated a few days ago. I then stated that I had made inquiries in every part of the country, not merely into one branch of the entertainment industry, but into all, including sports.
§ Sir K. WOODHaving regard to the fact that the right hon. Gentleman stated on that occasion that one branch of the 1497 entertainment industry was not fulfilling the obligations which he desired them to do, is he going to take any further steps in the matter?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe hon. Member had an opportunity, of which he took advantage, of replying to my statement, and then, I think, he confessed to the difficulties of dealing with the matter, and I think he went so far as to admit that I appeared to be doing everything I possibly could.