§ 1. Mr. Swinglerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in order to encourage the production and exhibition of British films, he will now introduce discriminatory relief from entertainments tax when all-British programmes are shown.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.
§ Mr. SwinglerWould the Financial Secretary like to make history in this respect by indicating his right hon. Friend's acceptance of the principle involved in the admirable scheme submitted by the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association to assist the production of British films and also partially to meet the claims of exhibitors for a tax reduction?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs the hon. Member knows, it would be most improper for me to respond to his invitation. Is he not aware that the proposal contained in his Question is not the same as that put forward by the C.E.A.?
§ 18. Mr. Swinglerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue he has received from the entertainments tax on cinemas in the current financial year up to the latest date for which figures are available compared with the amount he received in the same period of 1952–53; and how the amount received compares with his estimate.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterEntertainments Duty receipts from cinemas in the period 1st April, 1953, to 31st January, 1954, amounted to £31.57 million compared with £31.68 million in the corresponding period of 1952–53. Receipts are broadly in line with expectations.
§ Mr. SwinglerIn view of the Chancellor's undertaking last year to watch the effects of this duty very carefully in view of the continued fall in cinema attendances, which is undoubted, would the Financial Secretary care to say whether in his opinion a case for a reduction in this duty has been made out?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Gentleman must await my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.