§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to exempt the iron and steel industry from the tax on fuel oils.
Mr. MacmillanMy right hon. Friend explained in the Budget debates that although the Government recognises the burden on costs of the fuel oil duty, it was none the less decided that, having regard to the position of the coal industry, it would not be in the national interest to remove or reduce the duty. As he promised at that time, the matter is being kept under review, but I should make it clear that the Government does not consider it would be justified in making selective exemptions in favour of particular industries.