§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreI desire to present what, I understand, is the largest petition that has ever been presented to this House. It is from the cinema-goers of England, Scotland and Wales. It is the more remarkable in that the whole of this Petition has been signed by citizens of this country within 12 days. It is a spontaneous reaction of what they feel. The cinema exhibitors know that they must help in providing the extra taxation made necessary by the defence programme. At the moment, they are providing over 80 per cent. of the total amount collected under the Entertainments Duty.
In their material allegations in this Petition, they make the following points. They ask for no reduction, but merely that the Duty shall so be imposed that they, in their turn, can meet their duties to the public. They have fair and just costs to meet, including lighting, furnishings, and wages. They can meet them only if, in regard to the tax they are called upon to provide, they may, in turn, charge a proper and fair price to the public. No doubt, if the Budget pro- 782 posals are accepted—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] I am reading from the provisions of the material allegations. If it will assist the House, I will read out all the material allegations, but I am trying to truncate them. If these Budget proposals are accepted, there can be no question that many cinemas will have to close because of them. The Petition has been signed by 3¼ million people.
§ Mr. SpeakerI think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman's remarks are going beyond what is reasonable. One may not state all the reasons. One may not make a debating speech on this occasion. Only a short statement as to what is in the Petition can be given, and it should then end with the words, "Your Petitioners humbly pray."
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreI apologise, I said that I would read all the material allegations, if that was more convenient to the House.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat would mean speaking at great length. A petition has to be a very short statement, according to the Rules.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreThat is what I have tried to do. If I have failed, I ask the indulgence of the House. I have tried to truncate the material allegations into a very short speech. In fact, they cover two pages. I conclude by saying that I hope this Petition will be received by the House, as it does represent a large cross-section of the British public.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. and gallant Gentleman has not ended it accurately. He must end with "Your Petitioners humbly pray."
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre"Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray that the proposals contained in the Finance Bill, 1951, for upward revision of the Entertainments Duty on payments for admission to cinematograph performances, which proposals they regard with the utmost anxiety and dismay, should be modified."
§ Mr. SpeakerEven now I have hot heard the final words "And your Petitioners will ever pray."
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreI apologise, Mr. Speaker, and add:
And your Petitioners will ever pray.Petition to lie upon the Table.