§ 34. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that a contract has been secured by the Red Star Line with General Motors, Limited, for the carriage of over 60,000 motor vehicles to Europe from the United States of America during the current year; whether he is aware that a large proportion of this export to the value of over £10,000,000 will be despatched for sale in this country; and whether he is satisfied that the existing rate of duty on foreign motor cars is adequate to protect the home industry?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I have no information as to the contract mentioned, but I have seen reports in the Press that 2,000 motor cars are to be imported from the United States of America into this country during the next six months on the ships of the Red Star Line. As regards the last part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland) on the 28th February.
§ Sir P. HARRISIs this not evidence that the right hon. Gentleman was unwise in stopping the transfer of these boats to the English flag, which would have saved a good deal of money in freights to English shippers?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider reimposing on all these foreign ears the full tax of £1 per horse-power?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI should be glad to consider anything in connection with the Budget.