§ 46. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the threat to the palm-oil and palm-kernel trade of the British West African Colonies arising from the uncontrolled competition of whale oil; and whether it is proposed, in the interests of 192 the Colonies, to impose an import duty on whale oil entering the United Kingdom?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I am informed that there is a close connection between the world prices of all materials from which oil can be produced. As regards the second part of the question, I would explain that whale oil is already subject to duty under the Import Duties Act, 1932; unless it is produced in floating factories which are British concerns or satisfies the conditions of preference.