HC Deb 19 November 1953 vol 520 c1890
30. Mr. Swingler

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the proposed entertainments tax rebate scheme recently submitted by the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association to the Board of Trade and passed to him; and if he will make a statement.

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

I have seen the proposals to which the hon. Member refers. As they would involve changes in taxation the hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Swingler

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to approach the proposal with sympathy and audacity? Is he aware that these proposals provide for the combined reduction of Entertainments Duty and a stimulus to British film production? If the hon. Gentleman is told that it might be contrary to G.A.T.T., will be bear in mind that if the Italians are already doing it, and if it is contrary, there is something wrong with G.A.T.T. and not with the proposal?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

We approached the problem with both the qualities to which the hon. Gentleman referred, and a good many others.