§ Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells theatres, which are performing work of educational value, made a loss on the last year of operation of over £7,000, which was approximately equivalent to the amount paid by them in Entertainments Duty; and whether he will take these facts into account in drawing up plans for his next Budget?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI note the information given by my hon. Friend that the theatres mentioned made a loss of £7,000 during their last year of operation, and I am aware that this is approximately equivalent to the amount of Entertainments Duty paid in respect of admissions to these theatres during the same period. I can assure my hon.708W Friend that in framing the coming Budget all relevant considerations, including the one to which he refers, will be taken into account.
§ Captain BULLOCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the profits of the Old Vic and Sadler's Well theatres for the past year were entirely absorbed by the amount paid in Entertainments Duty; and whether, in view of the handicap which is caused to such institutions by this duty and of the educational advantages which they provide, he will consider amending the law in so far as it applies to stage performances in his forthcoming Budget?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave this afternoon to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Hutchison).