HC Deb 16 April 1957 vol 568 c1734
24. Mrs. White

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cinemas he estimates will benefit from his proposal to raise the population for the rural area exemption limit from 2,000 to 3,000.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Between 40 and 50.

Mrs. White

As this is the only gesture made by the Chancellor towards the small cinemas, does he not think it is rather inadequate, and has he taken into account the possibility of increasing the population density as well as the total number in the area?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think it is a contribution to include genuinely rural areas, but if we extend it much further we shall get away from rural areas into small urban districts as well, which is not the main purpose of this exemption.