HC Deb 04 February 1930 vol 234 cc1666-7
24. Mr. MANDER

asked the Lord Privy Seal the name of the organisation representing the British cycle and motor-cycle manufacturers with whom he is carrying on negotiations in connection with the export trade?

Mr. THOMAS

I am in communication with the British Cycle and Motor Cycle Manufacturers' and Traders' Union, Limited.

Mr. MANDER

May I ask the "Noble Lord" if the statement he made before Christmas was not very misleading, in view of the fact that until quite recently the association he mentioned knew nothing about these negotiations?

Mr. THOMAS

I must, thank the hon. Member for the word "Noble." I will keep the particular question in mind.

42. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in view of the number of American motor cars that are likely to flood the European markets in the present year, European countries are contemplating legislative action, and that a Bill is to be introduced in Germany to establish a quota; and whether he will consider similar legislation in this country?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

I am given to understand that the question of increasing the import duties on motor cars is under consideration in a few European countries. As regards the position in Germany, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on 28th January to the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon). As regards the last part of the question, I fear I can add nothing to the statements that have already been made regarding our own import duties on motor cars.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the French Government are already doubling their import duties on cars, and that Germany is thinking of establishing aquota; and is it not a fact that all those American cars which would have gone to those countries are now liable to be sent to this country?

Mr. GRAHAM

I am not familiar with the first part of the supplementary question, but I have reason to doubt whether there would be any large scale dumping such as that which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has in mind.

Mr. MOND

Is it not a matter of some importance in the formation of the Government's policy that the Government should be acquainted with the items mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend?