HC Deb 06 April 1950 vol 473 cc1363-4
57. Mr. Maudling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is prepared to grant a rebate of entertainments tax in cases where a cinema shows a British film.

Mr. Jay

The hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. and learned Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Maudling

While appreciating the hon. Gentleman's position, may I ask him to ask the Chancellor to have a look in the meantime, at a scheme of this nature which has been introduced in Italy with considerable benefit to the Italian film industry, now suffering from a similar difficulty?

Mr. Jay

I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. and learned Friend is examining all these schemes.

58. Mr. Maudling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to reduce the degree of differentiation in the matter of entertainment tax as between cinemas and other forms of entertainment.

Mr. Jay

The hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. and learned Friend's Budget statement.

Commander Noble

Will the Minister bear in mind that cinemas consider that they are badly treated in this matter, especially vis-à-vis musical halls?

Mr. Jay

I have already received a deputation and heard the view of exhibitors and producers.