72. Mr. FRANK OWENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increased sum payable to the Treasury as dividend on the Treasury's 2382 holding of shares in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, he will consider sanctioning the application of an equivalent sum for suitable measures of national development in view of aggravated unemployment; and, in this connection, whether his attention has been drawn to the Disarmament Committee under the Civil Lord of the Admiralty or to the relative British inferiority on the North Atlantic routes in fast-mail-carrying liners and the state of the Clyde and Tyne yards?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENIt is the normal experience that a favourable out-turn under some heads of revenue is required to meet shortfalls in others. The Government have already contributed to large and numerous schemes of economic national development. Their policy has been, and will continue to be, governed by wider considerations than the yield of a single item of income in the Budget.
§ Major COLVILLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman object to the profits made by this company also?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI should welcome similar profits from State participation.
§ Mr. SNOWDENI do not think that really comes within the province of my Department. I think that would be more appropriately addressed to the Admiralty.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put down another question to the other Department.