§ Major COLVILLEasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a large section of the Scottish oil industry has been closed down involving the loss of employment of over 2,000 men; and if he will receive a deputation from the local authorities in the area concerned?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am aware of the present unfortunate position in the shale oil industry and the possibility of rendering assistance to avert the partial closing which has taken place has recently been under consideration by the Government. It was with great regret that it was decided that it was not practicable to adopt any of the several proposals which were put forward. Owing to the heavy demands on my time, it will not be possible for me to receive the deputation from local authorities, but arrangements have been made for the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary for Mines to receive it next week.