§ 7. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the scanty supply of new British motor cars at present available or likely to become available within the next few months, and the consequent high prices of second-hand cars, he will consider the question of removing the restrictions on the import of American cars?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe restrictions on motor cars at the existing rate have only recently been recommended by the Imports Consultative Council, who went fully into all the circumstances of the case. It is not proposed to disturb these arrangements at present, but the extent to which motor cars will be admitted after 1st September will be determined by the general trade policy to be pursued alter that date.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous amount of unemployment at the present time, and will the Government take steps by means of a general tariff on manufactured articles to find employment for our own men in our own country?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is a question of general policy with which I am not competent to deal.
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there will be great opposition to that policy?
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman communicate the ideas of the House on this matter to the Leader of the House?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy hon. Friend's ideas are quite familiar to the Board of Trade.