§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Commander Eyres Monsell.]
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI wish to put a question to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. I am giving him very short notice, but I am sure that with his usual courtesy he will not fail me. Has his attention been drawn to the number of resolutions sent to the Treasury by the turpentine users in the manufacturing community? Turpentine is a vegetable oil which cannot be used in internal combustion engines, but nevertheless it is subject to fourpence a gallon tax. The manufacturers have been bombarding the Treasury with representations on the subject. I listened with great attention to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's speech, but the right hon. Gentleman did not see fit to deal with the matter, which affects the manufacture of paint and varnish and many other commodities. Turpentine is taxed to the tune of £100,000 a year, and that is done because the Chancellor of the Exchequer wanted to tax petrol. I could give a long list of the trades affected. 79 In view of the importance of the matter I think that some answer is called for from the Treasury, and I invite the Financial Secretary to say whether he will be good enough to look into the matter and see if this modest concession cannot be made.
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)I appreciate the courtesy with which the hon. and gallant Gentleman—
§ Mr. SPEAKERBefore the hon. Gentleman replies, I would like to know 80 whether this concession would call for legislation.
§ Mr. SAMUELI assume that it would. Mr. SPEAKER: In that case, we cannot discuss it.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThen I hope I may be allowed to raise the matter on another occasion.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-eight Minutes after Six o'clock.