§ Sir K. WoodI beg to move, in page 11, line 17, after "gravel," to insert:
limestone, sandstone, igneous rock, chalk.The House will remember that under Section 31 of the Finance Act, 1941, certain relief is given in respect of Excess Profits Tax to certain concerns which work certain metals and oil. Clause 20 in its present form applies to sand, gravel, asbestos and mica. These are of exceptional importance in the war effort, and they are all wasting assets similar to metals and oils to which Section 31 applies. Since I put down the original Clause representations have been made to me in various quarters of the House that these other minerals, limestone, sandstone, igneous rock and chalk are equally deserving of relief so far as the war effort is concerned. Many of them, of course, are used expressly for the purposes of the war, and they have as good a case for inclusion in the Clause as the others I have enumerated. The House will recognise that this is a reasonable thing to do, and I am glad that I am able to meet my hon. Friend's request to-day.
§ Mr. HannahI think the Chancellor's speech was very much better than his Amendment. Lime, sandstone and chalk are all sedimentary rocks—that is, rocks laid down by the action of water—as opposed to igneous rocks. It is, therefore, unscientific and most misleading to put the words "igneous rocks" between lime, sandstone and chalk. I suggest that the words "igneous rock" should be put at the end.
§ Amendment agreed to.