§ 36. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the recent closing of a number of theatres in the north-west of England, including the Accrington Hippodrome, and to the fact that in the majority of cases such closing is due to heavy financial losses, increased by the burden of Entertainments Duty; and whether, in view of the importance of pre serving the living theatre in this area, he will review the effect of the Entertainments Duty upon theatres in that area which have closed, or are just managing to carry on, with a view to early remedial action.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerRepresentations received from the Theatres Entertainment Tax Committee and other quarters have drawn my attention to the fact that the Accrington Hippodrome and other theatres in the north-west of England and elsewhere have closed. Entertainments Duty, in common with other duties, will be included in the general review of taxation before the Budget.
§ Mr. HyndIn conducting that general review, will the Chancellor bear in mind the different classes of Entertainments Duty now in operation and the anomalies caused thereby?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. I spend this time of year looking at that sort of thing.