§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cinemas have closed down within the last twelve months in the County Borough of St. Helens, Lancashire; and what representations the cinema industry has made to his Department.
§ Mr. BarberOne cinema has closed. The cinema industry has represented that Entertainments Duty should be abolished.
§ Commander Keransasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cinemas in Great Britain are still paying Entertainments Duty; and how many cinemas were freed from the duty by the £20 tax rebate which became effective in June, 1959.
§ Mr. BarberIn January, 1960, Entertainments Duty was paid by 1,297 cinemas in each of the four weeks, by 393 cinemas in two or three weeks and by a further 161 in one week only. The introduction of the £20 a week rebate in June, 1959, freed from duty some 1,300 cinemas, not including those freed in some weeks but not in others.