HC Deb 07 February 1956 vol 548 cc1490-1
28. Mr. Swingler

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will use a part of the accumulating revenue surplus to reduce the level of entertainments tax on cinemas.

Mr. H. Macmillan

If I were to give either a positive or negative reply I should be in grave danger of anticipating my Budget statement.

Mr. Swingler

While I thank the Chancellor for that reply, which at any rate does not seem to exclude the suggestion contained in my Question, has he taken note of the rising figures of bankruptcies amongst small cinema proprietors? Will he take this fact into account when considering his Budget statement?

Mr. Macmillan

I will take all relevant facts into account.

Captain Duncan

In considering his Budget statement, will my right hon. Friend consider suggestions by me to alter the system of tax in order to help the small cinema?

Mr. Macmillan

I will be very happy to consider all suggestions.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Including postwar credits?

Mr. Daines

Has the Chancellor considered the rumour that he will apply a tax on tiddly-winks?

Mr. Macmillan

I should not like to get into these grave controversies.