– in the House of Commons at on 20 February 1940.
Mr Alfred Denville
, Newcastle upon Tyne Central
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether, in view of the desirability of ensuring that no unnecessary expenditure is incurred on cinematograph films imported from abroad, he will take all possible steps to ensure that ample entertainment of British origin is available for the public at reasonably competitive prices; and whether he will consider the desirability of increasing the number of British entertainments which are not liable to Entertainment Duty, thus ensuring that, so far as possible, money spent on entertainment is retained for circulation in this country?
Mr John Simon
, Spen Valley
I have noted the suggestions in both parts of the Question; but my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
