HC Deb 17 April 1929 vol 227 c246
24. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a letter from the National Federation of Associated Paint, Colour, and Varnish Manufacturers of the United Kingdom, under date 14th March, begging him to give consideration to the question of withdrawing the duty on vegetable turpentine, as imposed in the Finance Act, 1928, for a number of reasons, among them being that it is an essential raw material for an important manufacturing industry and cannot be used in internal combustion engines; and whether he is prepared to give favourable consideration to this request?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)

My right hon. Friend has received the letter referred to in the first part of the question. I cannot, however, hold out any hope of his seeing his way to accede to the request.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that now, after a year's experience of this impost on turpentine, it is having a very adverse effect on the industry and on employment, and could not the matter be reconsidered before the House finally passes the Finance Bill?

Mr. SAMUEL

No, I do not think I can say that.