HC Deb 28 February 1935 vol 298 cc1297-8
44. Captain STRICKLAND

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the percentage increase in the imports of foreign-manufactured private motor cars as between the years 1932, 1933 and 1934; what percentage increase there has been in those cars in the month of January, 1935, over January, 1932 and 1933; and whether he proposes to take any fresh steps to deal with this loss of potential employment to British workers?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The percentage increase in the numbers of private motor cars imported from foreign countries during the year 1933, as compared with the corresponding imports in 1932, was 19 per cent., and the corresponding increase in 1934 as compared with 1933 was 256 per cent. The percentage increases in the imports of these goods during the month of January, 1935, as compared with imports during January, 1932, and January, 1933, were 1,798 per cent. and 463 per cent. respectively. Though these figures appear large when expressed as percentages, it must be remembered that total imports are very small when compared with British production. In the year ended the 30th September, 1934, for instance, the total number of cars imported was 9,145, whereas the number of cars and chassis produced in the United Kingdom was 256,866. As regards the last part of the question, the import duty on motor cars, in common with other Budget duties, will come up for review before the Budget, but I would point out that this duty is already at the rate of 33½ per cent. ad valorem.

Captain STRICKLAND

Is the Chancellor satisfied that every step has been taken by the Government to meet this menace to the motor car trade, which is growing month by month and is throwing out of work a lot of people who might be engaged in the industry?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think it can be said that the import of foreign motor cars has yet reached a point where it is a menace to the production of British cars.

Sir HERBERT SAMUEL

Does not the Chancellor of the Exchequer consider that this question and answer are a good illustration of the great danger of the use of percentage figures in this controversy?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My answer is designed to bring out that point.

Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHS

Is it not a fact that the majority of these 9,000 foreign motor cars were bought by miners?