64. Captain MACDONALDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of arranging an inquiry to investigate the extent to which it might be possible to increase employment by imposing a differential duty on imported hydrocarbon oils so as to encourage the refining in this country of all the refined oils required here, in the same way as the differential duty on sugar imposed in 1928 has resulted in the bulk of sugar for consumption in this country being refined in British refineries?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER(Mr. Chamberlain)This question has been examined from time to time and again quite recently in the light of the various considerations to which it gives rise. As at present advised, however, I do not consider that the comparatively small increase in employment which would be likely to result from the adoption of the policy suggested would be sufficient to counterbalance its disadvantages on other grounds, nor do I think any useful purpose would be served by such an inquiry as my hon. 1866 and gallant Friend suggests. But the matter will continue to receive the attention of the Departments concerned.