HC Deb 10 March 1955 vol 538 cc607-8
42. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the prejudicial effect of the entertainments tax on football; and if he will now take steps to exempt football from this tax.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry Brooke)

I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

Mr. Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the wide support there is for this urgent, practical and sensible reform, and will he take steps to implement it before the Government go out of office at the coming General Election?

Mr. Brooke

I am not called upon to answer about forthcoming General Elections. I understand that some hon. Members representing Scottish constituencies have already been to see the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter, and that the Economic Secretary is to receive a deputation from the Football Association, and I have received another representing the clubs playing under another code. So the Government are not ill informed on the subject.

Mr. Dugdale

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it very much better to have a tax on capital gains rather than such a severe tax on the most popular game in the country?

Mr. Brooke

There is another Question on the Paper about that very subject.

Mr. Jay

In view of the very favourable effects on English cricket that followed the tax concession in that case, does the hon. Gentleman not think the same could be done for football?

Mr. Brooke

I am grateful for that original tribute to the work of this Government.