63. Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade what foreign firms have established motor car and/or tyre factories in this country since safeguarding duties were imposed?
Mr. WILLIAMSI understand that since 1925 one foreign motor car maker has started a factory here, and that another foreign maker is now erecting a factory. It has also been reported that arrangements have been made by companies having foreign associations for the erection of five new tyre factories, and that the erection of a sixth tyre factory is under consideration.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the other members of the Government to the great advantages to this country of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?
§ Mr. LOOKERCan the hon. Gentleman give any estimate of the number of British workmen who will be employed as
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Herbert Williams)With my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate the answer to this question in the OFFICIAL. REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ For the quantities of petroleum imported into the United Kingdom during the years 1924 to 1926, inclusive, with a separate enumeration of the quantities consigned from Russia, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for the Don Valley on 20th February, a copy of which I am sending him.
§ The corresponding figures for January, 1928, are:
§ a result of the establishment of these foreign concerns in this country?
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTWould it not be possible to get that information? As there are only about 15 or 16 of these firms here, could the hon. Gentleman not inquire as to the number of workpeople?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI shall be very glad to make inquiries.