Mr. Wilson Harris:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plays at present running at London theatres are exempt from Entertainments Duty under Section 8 of the Finance Act, 1946.

The following plays at present running at London theatres, being promoted by bodies which qualify for exemption from Entertainments Duty under Section 8 of the Finance Act, 1946, are exempt: "The Beaux' Stratagem," "Death of a Salesman," "The Golden Door," "The Heiress," "Hindle Wakes," "The Lady's not for Burning," "Love's Labour's Lost," "The Seagull," "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Treasure Hunt."

Mr. Wilson Harris:

While I have no objection to the last named play in the list, is the right hon. and learned Gentleman really satisfied that all these plays need the substantial financial assistance which he is giving them?

I am satisfied that they come within the provision which was laid down by Parliament.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that a comparison between the list which he has just read out and a list of the plays which are not tax exempt, completely vindicates this system of tax exemption, and that, if the junior Burgess for Cambridge University (Mr. Wilson Harris) is not careful, I will read out the alternative list?

May I ask the Chancellor whether the theatre-goer is being relieved? Is there a drop in price in regard to exemption from Entertainments Duty, or is the Entertainments Duty swept into the "non-profits" pool?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put that Question on the Order Paper.

Will the Chancellor look into the administration of this Section of the Finance Act before the introduction of the next Budget?

I am perfectly satisfied with the administration; I have looked into it many times.

Mr. Wilson Harris:

In regard to "A Streetcar Named Desire," if it gives rise to "An Autobus named Salacity" or "An Aeroplane named Lascivious," will the right hon. and learned Gentleman claim that this is really cultural education and say that we can now withdraw from U.N.E.S.C.O.?

I should not like to forecast the cultural value of plays which have not yet been written.