HC Deb 04 December 1916 vol 88 c625
8. Mr. FELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the import of motor cars and parts of motor cars and their accessories from the United States has now entirely ceased; and, if so, what is the position of the factory at Manchester where the parts of a certain make of American cars were being assembled up to a recent date, and has it been taken over by the Government?

Mr. PRETYMAN

As my hon. Friend will see from the trade accounts the import of motor cars and parts thereof has not entirely ceased. Licences are still being given for the importation of cars and parts thereof required for the War Department or for commercial use, and also in special cases for parts which are required for the immediate replacement of the worn parts of cars now running in this country. It is not the practice to issue licences for parts required for assembling cars for pleasure purposes in this country.

Mr. FELL

May I ask if material to actually make cars comes over?

Mr. PRETYMAN

Yes; for War Office and commercial cars, but not for pleasure cars.