asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a representation from certain manufacturers in Scotland urging him to increase the datum line percentage upon which the calculation of Excess Profits Duty is based from 6 to 10 per cent. per annum, and upon that footing to increase the duty from 80 to 90 per cent. and whether any estimate has been prepared of what difference to the revenue these proposals, if acted upon, would involve?

I have received this representation. I have no reliable data for estimating the financial results of the proposal, which would profoundly modify the character of the Excess Profits Duty.