HC Deb 09 December 1954 vol 535 c68W
70. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that over 30 of the remaining theatres in this country have recently been sold or converted, or are being offered for sale or conversion; and whether, in view of the importance of preserving the living stage in the public interest, he will undertake as a mattes of urgency to review the effects of the Entertainment Duty on the living theatre.

Mr. H. Brooke

I have seen reports that over 30 theatres have been offered fox sale. These sales do not necessarily arise out of the incidence of Entertainments Duty. But this duty will be included in my right hon. Friend's general review of taxation before the Budget.

71. Mr. Ross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that cinema attendances are detrimentally affected by the developing practice of floodlit and televised evening football matches, he will give consideration to reducing the Entertainments Duty for cinemas to the same level as that for professional sport.

Mr. H. Brooke

I cannot comment on the implication in the hon. Member's Question, but my right hon. Friend will bear this point in mind when considering the Entertainments Duty on cinemas in his general review of taxation before the Budget.