HC Deb 05 May 1924 vol 173 cc16-8
31. Mr. ERSKINE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a glut of motor cars in the United States, that the output cannot be absorbed in that country, and that arrangements are in course of preparation for dumping the surplus stock in this country as soon as the McKenna Duties expire; and whether he proposes taking any steps, and, if so, what, to prevent the resultant closing down of the motor works in this country and the consequent unemployment?

Mr. GRAHAM

I am informed that there is no evidence that there is a glut of motor cars in the United States of America, and that although the entire output is not normally absorbed in that country, by far the greater portion is so absorbed, and there are no indications of any preparations for the dumping of surplus stocks in the United Kingdom.

Mr. ERSKINE

Has the hon Gentleman not read the newspapers at all lately?

Mr. GRAHAM

Perhaps a suitable reply to the hon. Gentleman is to recall that in 1923 the United States produced 4,000,000 vehicles, of which 96 per cent. were absorbed locally and only 4 per cent. were sent to the rest of the world.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries by telegram?

Mr. PRINGLE

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the Goodrich Tyre Company are setting up works in this country, which does not indicate any dumping?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is giving information.

74. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the grave apprehension which the proposed repeal of the McKenna Duties is causing to those in the industries affected, he can see his way to agree to give a day in the immediate future for a discussion on this subject?

Mr. GRAHAM

Perhaps the hon. Member will await the statement which the Lord Privy Seal will make after Questions to-day.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

In view of the widespread fear of unemployment throughout the country, will the hon. Gentleman agree to receive a deputation of working men from the industries affected?

Mr. GRAHAM

I cannot at the moment make any statement about deputations or anything else, because my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal, in a minute or two, will make a statement on the general question, and I think it will be better to dispose of that first. Then I will take that point into consideration.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Will the hon. Gentleman immediately make that suggestion to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer?