HC Deb 07 December 1932 vol 272 cc1602-4
27. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to indicate to what extent he proposes to implement the recommendations of the committee on rail and road transport; and, if not, whether he can state the approximate date by which such proposals will be available in view of the harm done to the motor-vehicle manufacturing industry by the present uncertainty?

Mr. PYBUS

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 30th November to the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Kimball), of which I am sending him a copy.

Captain MACDONALD

Will the Minister be good enough to answer the last part of my question, as to the date when the proposals will be available, in view of the importance of this matter to the motor industry?

Mr. PYBUS

On many occasions I have referred to the fact that the absence of any indication of what is to happen with regard to taxation may be detrimental to manufacturers of heavy motor vehicles, but I have also said that it is impossible, at this stage at any rate, to make any statement concerning future taxation.

Mr. L. SMITH

Having regard to the increase in unemployment that has taken place since the publication of the report, could not the Minister of Transport make publicly some definite statement as to what the Department propose to do with the report? The question of time is very important, and delay will cause more trouble.

Mr. PYBUS

I can only say that no time whatever has been lost, and that I cannot add anything to the answer I have already given.

31. Colonel GOODMAN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to state what action it is proposed to take with reference to the recommendations of the Salter Report?

Mr. PYBUS

I am not in a position to add anything to the replies which I have already given in this matter.

Colonel GOODMAN

Is the Minister aware that the report was issued as long ago as last July, and that the delay in announcing the Government's policy is having a very serious effect on employment, both on the operative side and on the manufacturing side of the motor vehicle industry?