§ 18. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for reducing taxation on machines installed in amusement arcades.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanNone at the present time.
§ Mr. DavidsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the proprietors of some of the smaller arcades have made representations over a period to the effect that the duty on the machines has put them at a disadvantage compared with the larger syndicates? I have a completely open mind on the subject. Is the Minister considering the question?
§ Mr. MacmillanA deputation representing the interests concerned came to see my hon. Friend the Minister of State on 29th September. He invited it to submit figures, and when they are received they will be taken into account. The deputation made a case which my hon. Friend asked it to substantiate with figures, but the figures have not yet been received.
§ Mr. Kenneth LewisWill my right hon. Friend reconfirm that in future people will have so much of their own money to spend that they will be able to get their amusement without using these machines at all?
§ Mr. BarnettWe were told during the debates on the Finance Act, 1970, that these companies would not be able to exist at this level of taxation. Are any of them still in business?
§ Mr. MacmillanMy recollection is that some of the objections put forward then were met. I think we must wait until the trade interests concerned have substantiated the case they have made with figures, which has not yet been done.