§ 53. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has 960 received representations from shale oil interests in respect of the need for Government assistance if the industry is to survive; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not a fact that representations have been made to the Treasury, by the Scottish Oils Agency, Limited, within the past three weeks in respect of the need for further Government contracts?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI should have notice of that question.
§ Mr. SHINWELLMy original question was as to whether representations had been made, to which the hon. Gentleman replied that no such representations were made. I now ask him about a specific point, and he asks me to give him notice and to supply him with further evidence.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMy answer was regarding representations made as to the condition of the industry. I am asked now whether efforts have been made to obtain contracts from the Admiralty, which seems to be an entirely different matter.