§ 30. Mr. Hydeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will exempt amateur operatic and dramatic societies in Northern Ireland from the payment of Purchase Tax and Customs duties in respect of the temporary importation of theatrical costumes and other stage properties from the Irish Republic.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe exemption suggested by my hon. Friend would unfairly discriminate against the theatrical costumiers in the United Kingdom, who have to pay Purchase Tax and, where appropriate, Customs duty on the costumes and properties which they let out on hire.
§ Mr. HydeWould my right hon. Friend accept an assurance from me that these properties and costumes are imported not to portray stage Irishmen but for the advancement of culture and dramatic art in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. BrookeI feel sure that that is so, and we want to help in every way we can in advancing the culture of Northern Ireland, but were my hon. Friend's suggestion to be adopted, it would really create an anomaly.
§ Mr. HydeCan the Financial Secretary not accept something in the nature of a bond or guarantee for the return of the properties after use?
§ Mr. BrookeI will naturally examine any proposal which my hon. Friend makes, but I do not think that it will be possible to work it.