§ 65. Major COLVILLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has examined the proposals made to him to avert the closing down of plant in the shale-oil industry in Scotland; and, if so, what decision has been reached?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EX-CHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)I have carefully examined the suggestions contained in a memorial recently sent to me on behalf of this industry but I regret that I find it quite impossible to adopt them.
§ Major COLVILLEWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to assist these existing forms of oil production to be maintained before Government grants are given to the new process of producing oil from coal?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am afraid I cannot give an undertaking of that sort. The matter to which the hon. and gallant Member refers has not, I think, come to maturity.
§ Major COLVILLEWas not a statement on behalf of the Government made by the Lord Privy Seal to that effect?