§ 14. Sir JOHN POWERasked the President of the Board of Trade how the present rate of production of motor cars compares with the rate in the period in 1924 and 1925, when the import duty was not in operation?
Mr. WILLIAMSFigures relating to the production of motor cars in this country during the period in 1924 and 1925, when the import duty was not in operation, are not available. According to estimates of production for calendar years published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (which do not include cars assembled in this country from imported parts), the output of motor cars and chassis in 1927 exceeded the average annual output during 1924 and 1925 by about 40 per cent., commercial vehicles and their chassis being excluded, or by nearly 50 per cent. if such vehicles be included in the comparison.
Mr. HOPKINSONWould not a comparison of the present production and the figures of 1850 show a still further increase?
§ Mr. A. V ALEXANDERHas the Parliamentary Secretary the figures for 1923 with him?
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLIs not the Parliamentary Secretary surprised that an hon. Member on this side of the House should put such a question as that put by the hon. Member for Mossley (Mr. Hopkinson)?
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary think that hon. Members who have made statements in their own constituencies are entitled to express the same view on the Floor of this House?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan you, Mr. Speaker, do anything to check these differences of opinion in the Conservative party?