§ 6. Major COLVILLEasked the Lord Privy Seal if he has received representations from manufacturers of motor-cars in this country as to the effect on employment in that industry of the removal of the McKenna Duties; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?
Mr. THOMASI would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply which I gave on 3rd December to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald), of which I am, sending him a copy.
Commander WILLIAMSAre we to understand that the Government are still unsettled in their minds on this question?
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to ascertain the total amount of employment in this industry and in all the accessory industries, and, if not, will he assist in helping the Measure which it is proposed to-day to be passed?
Mr. THOMASI am discussing with the motor industry every point in connection with that industry with a view to helping them.
§ Sir H. CROFTWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that the figures given by the motor industry do not include all the accessories, and will he take steps to see that that is taken into consideration?
Mr. THOMASI am sure that the motor industry will assume that they know as much about their own business as the hon. and gallant Gentleman.
§ Major COLVILLEMay we take it, then, that the right hon. Gentleman is well aware of the views expressed by the industry?
40. Major THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade what increase has taken place in the number of motor-cars produced in this country since the McKenna Duties were reimposed; and what was the number of persons employed in the motor-car industry in the year 1925 and in the year 1928?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)As the answer to this question includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Major THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been an increase in the production of motor cars?
§ Mr. GRAHAMOh, yes; the figures certainly show an increase.
Major THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that nothing is done to interfere with the home market for motor cars?
Viscountess ASTORIs not the Lord Privy Seal now saying that all our social reforms depend upon increased production?
§ Following is the answer:
§ According to the figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the number of motor cars, including commercial vehicles, built or assembled in the United Kingdom, was 146,600 in 1924, 167,000 in 1925, and about 212,000 in 1928. According to the figures published by the Ministry of Labour, the number of persons aged from 16 to 64 in the "motor vehicle, cycle, and aircraft" industry in the United Kingdom insured against unemployment was 234,830 in July, 1928, and the number aged 16 and over in July, 1925, was 214,840. The number of persons registered as unemployed at the end of June, 1928, was 18,287, and at the end of June, 1925, 12,132.