§ 56. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state the amount of linseed oil imported into this country in 1947; and how it was allocated as between industries.
§ Sir S. CrippsOne hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and thirty-two tons of linseed oil were imported in 1947, and in addition 40,198 tons of linseed, of which the oil equivalent was 13,399 tons. It would not be in the public interest to give details of the allocations of linseed oil as between industries.
§ Mr. MacleanCan the right hon. Gentleman say what possible objection there would be to giving this information?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe objection which has been accepted by all Governments in the past, that it is liable to arouse rivalries between particular industries without doing any good.