HC Deb 24 February 1930 vol 235 cc1860-1
57. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the figures of the export of motor cars and chassis to Morocco; and whether, seeing that they can enter the country on the same terms as other countries, he can draw the attention of the industry to the possibilities of the country?

Mr. GILLETT

My Department is well aware of the unsatisfactory sales of British cars and chassis in Morocco. His Majesty's Consular officers stationed in the various zones of that country have frequently reported on the subject. The attention of manufacturers has been drawn, by the issue of a number of circular letters, to the potentialities of this market. Two reports recently published have also dealt with its possibilities for the British manufacturer.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the hon. Member take any further steps, seeing that we have less than 8 per cent. of the imports, that there are exactly the same export duties for every country, and that America has practically a monopoly to-day?

Mr. GILLETT

I fully recognise that the position is most unsatisfactory. We have done everything, it seems to me, that the Department could possibly have done in the last few months. If any hon. Member can make any suggestions, I shall be only too glad to consider them.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

May I suggest to the hon. Gentleman that he might continue the McKenna Duties, and then there would be no difficulty?