HC Deb 14 December 1933 vol 284 cc533-4
59. Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any information as to how many theatres, within a 20-miles radius of London, were in existence before the imposition of the Entertainments Duty; how many are paying Entertainments Duty now; and how much this taxation amounted to in each year since its inception?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

I have made inquiries about this matter but I regret that the information which my hon. and gallant Friend desires is not available.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

May I ask for an answer to the last part of the question, or shall I put it again?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot answer the last part because the returns of the duty in the earlier years have been destroyed.

Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHT

Will the right hon. Gentleman give sympathetic attention to the representations which have been made by the industry affected as to the results of this tax?

61. Mr. WHYTE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The following statement shows the desired particulars so far as they are available.

which has no capital charges, after paying Entertainments Duty amounting to £4,281 5s., made on the last year of operation a net loss of £44 14s. 7d.; and whether, in view of the educational services performed by this theatre, he will investigate the incidence of the Entertainments Duty as it applies to such places?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I note the information given by my hon. Friend and I can assure him that when the incidence of the Entertainments Duty, in common with other duties, is brought under review in connection with the forthcoming Budget the considerations to which he has drawn attention will be borne in mind.