§ 33. Mr. Swinglerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in favour of the reduction of entertainments tax on cinemas, with particular reference to the plight of the small cinema proprietor and the need to find greater financial resources for film production.
§ Mr. H. BrookeMy right hon. Friend has had representations from the various associations concerned with the film industry and also from individual cinema proprietors. These representations dealt with the situation in the film industry generally, including the position of the smaller cinemas and the financial resources of British film production.
§ Mr. SwinglerWithout wishing to anticipate any proposals, may we expect that entertainment will be a feature of the forthcoming Budget statement?
§ Mr. BrookeI would advise the hon. Gentleman to wait and see.
§ 35. Dr. Kingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of theatres now paying entertainments tax.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIt is estimated that about 350 places of regular theatrical entertainment now provide dutiable entertainments.
§ Dr. KingWill the Minister set against that figure the figure of about 50 theatres which have closed down during the last few years because of the burden of Entertainments Duty, and will he convey to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor what a bad thing it will be for Britain if the Entertainments Duty is now to destroy the living theatre?
§ Mr. BrookeIt is quite true that about 50 of these places have closed down, but I think again that the hon. Member is jumping to conclusions if he states that they have been closed down because of the burden of Entertainments Duty.