Lieut.-Colonel BELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he is aware that agricultural societies in various parts of the country are being obliged to abandon holding their annual shows for fear of serious financial loss, owing to the high cost of labour and materials; and whether, in view of the great benefit that the agricultural industry 1293W derives from the holding of such shows, he will endeavour to induce the Treasury to remit the Entertainment Tax in respect of these gatherings?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With reference to the second part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer that I gave to a similar question on the 3rd March, 1919, in answer to the hon. Member for Richmond, a copy of which has been sent to him. A concession such as that proposed by the hon. and gallant Member would require an amendment of the law.