§ 6 Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that indefinite leave of absence was granted to the actor, Mr. Barry Sinclair, from R.A.F. duties in part consultation with the Treasury; and whether the decision to release Mr. Sinclair was governed by any consideration of reverie accruing through the Entertainments Duty or if he can give the reasons for influencing one entertainer's release from Service duties for the unspecified duration of the run of one particular entertainment.
§ Sir J. AndersonI am informed that the decision was given under the normal procedure for dealing with cases of release from the Services and was not influenced by revenue considerations. The Treasury was not consulted.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs the Minister not aware that there is abundant evidence that the Treasury itself initiated this particular application for release, on the ground that it meant risking £1,200 per week in Entertainments Duty, and nobody else is possessed of any information but the Treasury?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe hon. Member is directly challenging the accuracy of what I have said. I hope he will have the kindness to let me have his information.
§ Mr. WalkdenIt was the man's own statement.