§ 44. Sir JOHN PYBUSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the entertainments duty has reduced the county cricket clubs to such financial straits that not only is their existence threatened but also their sup port and encouragement of village cricket clubs; and further, as no dividends can be paid and as the committees do not even draw expenses, whether he will, as in the case of the Old Vic and Sadlers Wells, consider some substantial relief in the incidence of the entertainment duty?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWith regard to the first part of the question, I am not aware that the entertainments duty has inflicted special hardship on county cricket clubs; with regard to the second part I would point out that since the activities of county cricket clubs cannot be described as either partly educational or partly scientific, they are not eligible for the relief allowed in the cases mentioned by my hon. Friend.
§ Sir J. PYBUSWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask if he does not appreciate that county cricket is the chief sport of the English countryside?
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSWill the right hon. Gentleman issue orders to stop body-line bowling?