§ 58. Mr. Culverwellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the shortage of paper, he will consider amending His Majesty's Customs and Excise Regulations so as to allow plastic tokens to be used in theatres and other places of amusement instead of paper tickets?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir. I am not aware that there is any special shortage of paper of the kind used for the purpose in question. The introduction of plastic tokens would involve the installation in pay-boxes at cinemas and other places of entertainment of fresh registering machines, the supply of which would almost certainly present great difficulty. I have received no representations on this subject from the entertainments industry.
§ Mr. CulverwellIs my right hon. Friend aware that an important group of cinema theatres is prepared to use this substitute for paper? Does he consider that a pre-war regulation of this kind should stand in the way of a measure which would certainly economise a commodity of which we are very short?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir; but I think there would be great difficulty in making the change.
§ Mr. CulverwellIf I bring the matter to my right hon. Friend's notice, will he go into it further with the group to which I am referring?
§ Sir K. WoodAnything which my hon. Friend sends me I will always carefully-consider.