HC Deb 02 December 1930 vol 245 cc1980-1
56. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of his assistance to grand opera, he will consider giving equal assistance to the drama by the reduction of the Entertainments Duty?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

No, Sir.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

In view of the fact that far more people attend the theatre and the Cinema than the opera, why should they not be treated with equal justice?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise out of the answer.

58. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the proposed subsidy to opera and the refusal to grant a corresponding subsidy for the production of Shakespeare and other classical British plays, he will say on what ground he differentiates between these two forms of public amusement and instruction?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

It is not possible to discuss this wide subject within the limits of a Parliamentary reply. But I would say that, admirable as are some of the bodies to which the hon. Member is no doubt referring, I do not think the same considerations apply in the two cases.