§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Chancellor of tin Exchequer whether he can give an estimate of the amount of royalties that a-re paid out of this country for film rights; and the amount of money that would be received if these royalties were taxed in the same way that patents are taxed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI estimate that the amount paid to film producers abroad in respect of the exhibition of their films in this country is in the region of £3,000,000 per annum. Income Tax levied on this gross sum would be £600,000, but that simple statement of fact must not be interpreted as tying me to any opinion as to the propriety of imposing such a duty. On that subject I am not disposed to make any statement at the present