HC Deb 08 February 1938 vol 331 c844
53. Lieut.-Commander Tufnell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the practicability of abolishing or reducing the Entertainments Duty in respect of the payment for entry to cinemas where an all-British programme is being shown?

Sir J. Simon

This suggestion has been made before, but it has not been found possible to adopt it.

54. Mr. Hall-Caine

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make any statement as to the beneficial effect of the reduction which was granted two years ago in the rates of Entertainments Duty upon living entertainment; and whether he will consider an extension of this scheme in the near future?

Sir J. Simon

Official data are not available, but I believe it is generally admitted that the reduction of duty granted in 1935 to "living" entertainments has had an encouraging effect. With regard to the second part of the question, I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.