§ 82. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary for Mines what was the amount of the relief given to shale-oil companies during the last year for which information is available through the exemption from Excise Duty of motor spirit, Diesel oil, and kerosene; and whether he is satisfied that the companies concerned are utilising this advantage to improve conditions and extend employment in this vital industry?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)I am not able to state what duty would have been paid in a given year on hydrocarbons produced from indigenous shale if Excise Duties had been imposed to correspond with the import duties on petroleum products. Since 1931 there has been a marked improvement in employment and wages in the Scottish shale area, and I have no reason to think that there is any failure to take full advantage of the preference.
§ Mr. MATHERSIn order that the employment position in this industry may not be worsened by any action the Government may take, may I ask the hon. 36 and gallant Member to draw the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to this question, to whom it was originally addressed?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKYes, but I think the hon. Member is under some misapprehension. There never were any countervailing Excise Duties.