HC Deb 06 December 1938 vol 342 cc989-90
43. Mr. Hall-Caine

asked the President of the Board of Trade the estimated value of the sums passing from this country to the United States of America during each of the past three years in respect of royalties and other payments on account of the showing of American films in Great Britain; and whether these sums were taken into account in estimating the balance of trade between the two countries for the purposes of the Anglo-American Trade Agreement?

Mr. Stanley

It is not possible to furnish precise information, but it is estimated that the payments made by this country to the United States of America in respect of royalties, etc., on American films have been of the order of £6,000,000 in each of the last three years. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that all relevant considerations were taken into account during the negotiations for the agreement.

Captain Arthur Evans

Would the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the desirability of exploring this avenue when forming his Budget, with a view to increasing the public revenue?

Mr. Stanley

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is not only ready to explore every avenue, but that he does so.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Is this royalty assessed to Income Tax as an income earned in this country?

Mr. Stanley

That question had better be addressed to another Department.

53. Mr. Beaumont

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Trade Agreement between Great Britain and the United States involves any reduction in the duty upon corsets imported into this country?

Mr. Stanley

The Trade Agreement with the United States does not involve any reduction in the duty of 20 per cent. ad valorem at present chargeable upon corsets as articles of apparel.

60. Mr. Price

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an estimate of the loss of revenue that will result from the working of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in the Anglo-American Treaty?

Mr. Stanley

I regret that it is not possible to give such an estimate.

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