HC Deb 27 July 1927 vol 209 cc1231-2
44. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURY

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many foreign firms have started, or have made arrangements to start, new factories in this country for the manufacture of motor tyres since the imposition of a duty on foreign motor tyres?

Sir B. CHADWICK

References have recently appeared in the Press to proposals by two foreign companies, or branches of foreign companies, to start new factories in this country for the manufacture of motor tyres. Another foreign company made similar arrangements last year.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the hon. Member say what are the names of those three companies?

Sir B. CHADWICK

No, I could not.

Mr. KELLY

Did I understand the hon. Gentleman to state that one company has decided since the imposition of the duty on the opening of a factory here?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I do not say that the company which has opened a factory here made a decision to open here since the imposition of the duty.

Sir B. PETO

May I ask whether this was not a case of intelligent anticipation?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not the case that Messrs. Goodyear said they were astonished that we had not done it long ago and that they would have opened long ago?

Mr. KELLY

Is it not a fact that Messrs. Goodyear have got a factory here?