§ 84. Major Beamishasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Sussex County Cricket Club will have to increase the normal gate charge in the light of the new entertainment tax; that, following the increase from 1s. 6d. to 2s. in the gate charge last year, attendance at county matches fell from 93,413 in 1950 to 77,232 in 1951; that a further increase is bound to result in still lower attendance figures; that 70W this will mean that the club will be unlikely to collect so much as last year in entertainment tax; that the finances of the cub are likely to be seriously jeopardised; what representations he has received about the position of other county cricket clubs; and if he will make a statement on the imposition of this tax.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am aware of the figures quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend, though I am not sure that they necessarily carry the implications he suggests. I have received various representations concerning other county cricket clubs, which are being carefully considered, but as to the last part of his Question I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the forthcoming debate on Clause 2 of the Finance Bill.