HC Deb 15 February 1927 vol 202 cc721-2
1. Viscount SANDON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the case for a reel tax as an alternative to the quota, in connection with forthcoming film legislation?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

I understand my Noble Friend to refer to a proposal to impose a special tax on the exhibition in this country of non-British films. As I informed the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on 2nd March last, this would be contrary to a number of our commercial treaties, which are set out in my answer of that date, a copy of which I am sending to my Noble Friend.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Has any agreement yet been reached with regard to imposing a tax on imported films?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am not sure that I understand. Taxation, were it in contemplation, surely would not be a matter of agreement. This question asks whether a particular form of internal tax may be levied. That would be contrary to a number of treaties.

Colonel DAY

With reference to the quota, is there any other business which is compelled by law either to sell or to display certain goods?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is another matter.