§ 3. Sir HENRY CROFTasked the President of the. Board of Trade what were the net exports of motor-cars and parts from the United Kingdom in 1926?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe value of motor-cars and parts manufactured in the United Kingdom and exported in the year 1926 was £9,120,000, while the value of the net imports was £5,816,000. Thus the value of the exports exceeded that of the imports by £3,304,000.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it not the case that the fears that the duty would decrease the export of motor-cars were not justified?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have given the figures.
§ Colonel DAYDoes that include all those parts that have come from America and been assembled here?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE - LISTERThe answer deals with exports from this country of motor-cars and parts. I do not think there is a trade in imported parts which are afterwards exported. I have no doubt this really represents the production of British factories.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that the greater part of these are being 1022 sent to the Dominions, particularly New Zealand and Australia, and the trade is increasing very rapidly?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think that is true, and the Returns for this year will probably show a still further increase.
§ Colonel DAYIs it not also a fact that many of the cars exported from this country are assembled from parts manufactured abroad?
§ 4. Sir H. CROFTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether prices of motor-cars have increased since the import duties wore re-imposed in 1925; and how car prices now compare with pre-War prices?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe price index compiled by the trade shows that during the first half of 1926 the average prices were for private cars about 6 per cent. less than in 1925 and for commercial cars about 5 per cent. less than in that year. Further reductions have occurred since. Prices generally are now about 10 per cent. below pre-War prices for private cars and are approximately the same as pro-War for commercial cars.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it not a fact that, owing to the security given to this industry, prices have been lowered all round?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is Question Time, and not Debate.
§ 8. Mr. SEXTONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that motor manufacturers in Great Britain are claiming and advertising their cars as of British manufacture, while such cars contain 25 per cent. of foreign parts, some fully assembled in foreign countries; and will he take action in these cases under the Merchandise Marks Act?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not aware of the facts mentioned in the question. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.