61. Sir F. HALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the American authorities collect a tax on foreign plays produced in that country before the theatre management pay the royalties over to the author; whether royalties paid by British theatres to American authors in 1925 were subject to any taxation in this country; and, if so, on what amount such taxation was paid?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am aware of the position in the United States. With regard to royalties paid by British theatres to foreign authors, I am unable to say to what extent such payments were subject to taxation here in 1925, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the question of the adequacy of the existing machinery of the British Income Tax in this connection is receiving my careful consideration.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hundreds of thousands a year go in royalties to these American authors, and is there not some way by which they can be taxed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs to the figures, I could not give an answer on the spur of the moment, but I am giving the matter my careful consideration.
Sir F. HALLIn view of the need for economy, is the right hon. Gentleman considering this in connection with the forthcoming Budget?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have already said that I am giving the matter careful consideration.