HC Deb 18 November 1958 vol 595 cc126-7W
Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the expression Entertainments Duty is now misleading; and when he proposes to clarify it by the substitution of the word cinema for entertainments.

Mr. Amory

I do not regard the expression as misleading or in need of clarification.

Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent experience of the past six months' operation of the reduction in cinema entertainments tax shows that the estimate he made in his Budget speech of the amount by which the film industry would benefit will be realised.

Mr. Amory

It is not the practice to publish any review of Budget estimates during the course of the financial year.

Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the cinemas' gross box office receipts is now taken in entertainments tax; and what proportion of the national income is represented by revenue from this tax.

Mr. Amory

About 12½ per cent. and 0.05 per cent., respectively.