§ 77. Mr. Hall-Caineasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the approximate amount of film used by British cinematograph film producers, including newsreel producers, in 1938; and what will be the approximate annual cost of the new duty on films in respect of such British production?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)Figures for 1938 are not available; but returns furnished to the Board of Trade for 1937 showed the amount of blank film used by British film producers to be approximately 58 million feet. Under the Budget Resolutions the Excise Duty chargeable on such film will be equivalent to about ½d. a foot. 1884 As, however, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is proposing to allow a rebate on any film wasted or rejected as unsuitable for inclusion in the final picture, the duty will, in effect, fall on only a small proportion of the film used in British productions.
§ 78. Mr. Hall-Caineasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposed new tax on films was drawn up in consultation with the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that this tax places a burden on the British film-producing industry, the existence of which is already precarious?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir.