HC Deb 14 July 1953 vol 517 cc1894-5
42. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the only cinema in the mining small burgh of Sanquhar is about to close owing to the incidence of Entertainments Duty and that there are many cinemas in small burghs in a similar plight; and what action he will take to prevent this happening.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am unable to confirm the information in the first part of the Question; in response to the second, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement that I made in the course of the very full debate that we had on this subject on 22nd June.

Mr. Macpherson

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this is a matter of considerable urgency and that in a case where one cinema is free from tax and another cinema in a town very close does pay tax, the situation becomes unbearable?

Mr. Butler

I realise that, and of course we discussed this very matter. I cannot undertake to give an answer about the reasons why a particular cinema closes.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Chancellor aware that when we sought to introduce a new Clause in this House that would have prevented this from happening, the hon. Member voted against it?