§ 27. Mr. HURDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has under consideration the representations of the West India Committee and the desire of supporters of Imperial Preference that oils from Empire sources should be encouraged in the British market, with a view to the opening up of new oil areas within the Empire and lessening our dependence on foreign liquid fuel; and if he proposes to give some form of preference to oil imported from Empire sources?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)I can add nothing to the reply which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on 1st May to my noble Friend, the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon).
§ Mr. HURDCan the hon. Member say why Empire oils, being a dutiable commodity, should be exempted from the general policy of Empire preference?
§ Mr. SAMUELThe practical benefit of preference in the case of hydrocarbon oils would be negligible, and complications which would be introduced into the working of the tax would be great.