§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that cabaret performances which are not distinguishable from variety entertainments are now being given on a wholesale scale in London; and whether, in view of the fact that they pay no Entertainments Duty, he will consider bringing them under the Regulations which in this respect apply to all other entertainments?
§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLI have been asked to reply to this question. I am advised that, although cabaret performances may be similar to variety entertainments given in theatres, the conditions under which they are given are such
1404W that they are not legally liable to Entertainments Duty.
The following table sets out by financial years the expenditure from public finds falling under the description of subsidies and bounties to industry from let April, 1919, to 31st March, 1925. Various War subsidies in respect of Iron, Steel and Coke were in force down to 30th April, 1919, but are not included in the table. The cost of these subsidies for the four months January, 1919, to April, 1919, inclusive, was £6,456,277. — 1919–20 1920–21 1921–22 1922–23 1923–24 1924–25 £ £ £ £ £ £ Hebridean Steamers … — 26,744 25,547 14,442 15,018 11,078 Dye Industry … 237,811 190,910 135,919 3,647 3,500 2,875 Flax Industry (Ireland) … — 27,000 6,000 — — — Empire Cotton Association … — 10,000 978,715 — — — Flax Society, Limited … — 278,000 — — — — British Italian Corporation … 126,257 117,342 121,292 106,030 — — Coal Subvention … — — 7,048,630 — 113 — Corn Production Acts … — — 18,159,372 6,022 351 — Light Horse Breeding … 24,903 29,450 30,188 20,639 31,862 28,120 Sugar Beet … — — — — — 492,040 Motor Transport (War Office) … — — — — 320 7,152 Cunard Steamship Company … 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 Civil Aviation … — — 75,625 181,752 125,258 138,511 478,971 769,446 26,671,288 422,532 266,522 769,776