asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, owing to the heavy taxes on the mineral water trade, 500 firms and over have been closed, throwing some thousands of workpeople out of work, and ruining the manufacturers in this industry; and if he will take off part of the duty?

As stated in my reply of the 19th February, to the hon. Member for the Kingswinford Division (Mr. Sitch). representations on the matter have already been received, and arc now being given careful consideration.