§ Sir F. Markhamasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will now make a statement on the appeal that was made to him by the Museums Association for greater Government help for local museums.
95W
§ Mr. H. BrookeMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has informed the Museums Association that, after careful consideration, the Government have decided that there are not sufficient grounds for providing financial assistance from the Exchequer at the present time for local or private museums and art galleries. The Government believe that, in this essentially local matter, local and private museums and galleries which may be in need of financial assistance should look for this to the local authorities, who have permissive powers in the matter. It will be appreciated that, at a time when there is a paramount need for economy in public
Quarter Entertainments Duty receipts from cinemas in the financial year Receipts in 1956–57 as a percentage of those in 1954–55 1955–56 1956–57 1954–55 1955–56 £m. £m. £m. per cent. per cent. 1st April–30th June … 9.36* 8.77 8.47 90 97 1st July–30th September … 9.01 8.40 9.25 103 110 Total for two quarters … 18.37 17.17 17.72 96 103 * Rates of duty on cinema admissions were reduced in May, 1954. Most of the duty received in this quarter was at the higher rates in force before that date.