§ Mr. CLARKEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has made any representations to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company as to the future position of the Scottish shale and oil industry; and, if so, has he any statement to make that will give assurance to the workmen engaged in that industry, in view of the general uneasiness that prevails in the district?
Mr. WEBBAs I promised the deputation which I saw on 26th February, I have arranged for the Anglo-Persian Oil Company to be consulted on some of the questions then raised. The company has not yet had time to reply, but I wish to make it clear that I cannot do more than ask it to give the various points due consideration. If the uneasiness to which the hon. Members refers is caused by fears of an early stoppage of the industry, I understand, and I so informed the deputation, that this danger is fortunately no longer imminent.