HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc2017-8
47. Mr. Short

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of reducing entertainments tax on cinema seats to the same level as horse racing, dog racing, football matches and speedway entertainments.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

The cost is conjectural, depending upon the extent to which the reduction in duty was passed on to the public in reduced admission prices; but it would be unlikely to be less than £25 million a year.

Mr. Short

In view of the widespread resentment in the country against the unequal tax on cinema seats and the unfair treatment of the cinema industry compared with other forms of entertainment, will the hon. Gentleman consider asking his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to put cinema entertainment on the same footing as other entertainment in his next Budget?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The hon. Member, of course, will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget.

Mr. Short

But will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to consider it? That was my supplementary question.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

All relevant considerations will be borne in mind.

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