Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 November 1956.
Mr Stephen Swingler
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
12:00,
27 November 1956
asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from organisations in the cinema trade and film industry about the closure of cinemas in the current year; and what reply he has made to such representations.
Mr Frederick Erroll
, Altrincham and Sale
When the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association made representations about the Government's policy towards the film production industry, which my right hon. Friend announced in the House on 2nd August, they mentioned the number of cinemas which had been closed this year as evidence of the difficulties in which exhibitors find themselves. Their representations have been noted.
Mr Stephen Swingler
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Is anything being done about this? Is this serious situation not spreading bankruptcy, especially amongst the small men in the cinema trade, and is it not a fact that the closure of a further 100 cinemas is pending at this moment? Is not the Department of the hon. Gentleman going to do anything about this?
Mr Frederick Erroll
, Altrincham and Sale
The position is being carefully watched.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Govan
Is the Minister aware that these cinemas have closed because of the present high level of cinema taxation, and does he think that he will help other cinemas to keep open by adding another tax, as he proposes to do in his scheme?
Mr Frederick Erroll
, Altrincham and Sale
The level of Entertainments Duty is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the exchequer. As regards the proposed levy, I ask the hon. Gentleman to await the publication of the Bill which is to be introduced shortly.
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