§ Sir S. HOAREasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the potentialities of the West Indies as a centre for a successful alcohol industry for power purposes; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to a remission of the full spirit duty and surtax upon the importation of West Indian denatured spirit into the United Kingdom?
Mr. WOODThe subject to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is under the consideration of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. When that consideration is completed I will inquire further as to the grounds for making representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the sense suggested.