§ 1. Viscount SANDONasked 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 722 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. WILLIAMSHas any agreement yet been reached with regard to imposing a tax on imported films?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI 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 DAYWith reference to the quota, is there any other business which is compelled by law either to sell or to display certain goods?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is another matter.