HC Deb 21 July 1953 vol 518 cc192-3
30. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the further serious effect of the Entertainments Duty on boxing promotions; and, in view of the fact that regular provincial promotions are now reduced to two, Mile End Arena and Liverpool Stadium, if he will be prepared to meet representatives of the British Boxing Board of Control at an early date to see if any arrangement can be reached to prevent boxing becoming extinct.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My right hon. Friend has received various representations about the effect of the Entertainments Duty on boxing promotions, but I do not think that the suggested meeting would at present serve any useful purpose.

Mrs. Braddock

As the British Boxing Board of Control have sent monthly returns to the Treasury and as the figures sent a few days ago show that the number of boxing promotions has fallen from 46 to 28 since the beginning of the year, can the hon. Gentleman tell me when the number of promotions will be low enough for him to consider the whole question of Entertainments Duty on boxing?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not think the hon. Lady is quite right in assuming that the difficulties with which the sport is confronted are necessarily a direct cause of, or could be relieved by, changes in the Entertainments Duty. In any event, the matter was discussed, as she will recall, at some length in the House a very short time ago.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the hon. Gentleman consider whether the Treasury are not losing money over this affair?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am always prepared to pay attention to that consideration.