HC Deb 06 February 1929 vol 224 c1745
12. Mr. SHINWELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the unemployment among the work people in the shale oil area of Scotland, he is prepared to use for naval purposes a larger quantity of Scottish shale oil in preference to the imported product?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on a similar subject on 24th April last.

Mr. SHINWELL

Why do the Government advocate the purchase of British goods, when they themselves will not purchase Scottish shale oil?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I explained to the hon. Member, when he previously raised this question, that the only reason why we do not buy Scottish shale oil is that it is too expensive.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is price to be considered when you are advocating the purchase of British goods?