asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a letter from the National Federation of Associated Paint, Colour, and Varnish Manufacturers of the United Kingdom, under date 14th March, begging him to give consideration to the question of withdrawing the duty on vegetable turpentine, as imposed in the Finance Act, 1928, for a number of reasons, among them being that it is an essential raw material for an important manufacturing industry and cannot be used in internal combustion engines; and whether he is prepared to give favourable consideration to this request?

My right hon. Friend has received the letter referred to in the first part of the question. I cannot, however, hold out any hope of his seeing his way to accede to the request.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that now, after a year's experience of this impost on turpentine, it is having a very adverse effect on the industry and on employment, and could not the matter be reconsidered before the House finally passes the Finance Bill?

No, I do not think I can say that.