§ 53. Major SALMONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any recent information as to the progress of the motor industry in this country?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKFrom statistics compiled by the trade, it appears that the number of private cars produced in 1926 exceeded the number for 1925 by 19 per cent. and the number for 1924 by some 48 per cent. The production of commercial cars in 1925 exceeded that of 1924 by about 20 per cent. Particulars for 1926 are not yet available. I am informed that several British makers extended their factories during 1926.
§ Major SALMONHas this progress of the motor industry been greater since the McKenna Duties have been introduced than prior to that date?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThe whole output of the trade was very much smaller, of course, before the War. Yet there was an increase from 1907 up to 1913; but the relative increase has been very much greater since 1915.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs it not a fact that since the reimposition of the duties there has been a very considerable expansion in the trade?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKYes, Sir.
§ Mr. REMERIs it not a fact that for the first time we are exporting more motor cars this year than we are importing?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI should want notice of that question.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERDid not the greatest leap forward in the export trade occur with the removal of the duties in 1924?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is entering into a fiscal debate.
§ 54. Major SALMONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any foreign motor-car makers have established works in this country since the import duties were reimposed?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKOne foreign maker of cars commenced manufacture in this country early in 1926, and it is stated that the factory will provide employment for about 5,000 workpeople. Another foreign company has recently announced that it has acquired a factory site here.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. Gentleman give the name of the foreign company which has already started manufacturing here?
§ Mr. LOOKERCan the hon. Gentleman state whether the Ford Company intend to proceed with their proposals to erect a factory in the Lower Thames area?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI am not aware of that.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDoes that figure include the factories in this country for the assembling of foreign cars, the bodies of which are made over here?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI must have notice of that question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESDo not the figures quoted furnish a very good argument for the reimposition of the McKenna duties?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of argument.
§ Sir H. CROFTMay I ask whether this factory which has been, referred to does not point to the fact that the duties are completely paid by the foreign importer?