§ 65. Mr. BENSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he was aware that the financial loss on county cricket during the past five years is almost identical with the amounts paid in Entertainments Duty; and whether he is prepared to make some concession to this sport?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)I have seen statements in the sense of the first part of the question; with regard to the second part, I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.
§ Mr. BENSONIs that reply supposed to give a modicum of hope to the county cricket organizations?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI think that the hon. Member is well used to that form of reply.
§ Mr. JAGGERIf I give the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the definite assurance that county cricket matches are not entertainment, will he then take steps in the matter?