HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 cc1516-7
34. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of German-made cars imported into the United Kingdom and British countries overseas, respectively, in the last 12 months; and whether it is proposed to take any action to prevent the excessive importation of these cars where export is heavily subsidised?

Mr. Stanley

With the hon. Member's permission. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing, so far as the information is available from the German statistics the number of motor cars exported from Germany to the United Kingdom and other British countries during the 12 months ended September, 1938. If the British manufacturers consider that there is a case for further protection of the United Kingdom home market against foreign imports of motor cars of less than 25 horse-power, it is open to them to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an increase in the rate of duty.

Mr. Shinwell

Have any representations on this matter been made to the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Stanley

There is no need to make representations to me. Owing to the action of the Government in the summer in transferring these duties from the Budget, bringing them under the purview of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, manufacturers make their applications direct to the committee.

Mr. R. Gibson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the amount of the German subsidy on these cars?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir.

Following is the statement:

Table showing, so far as the information is available from the German statistics, the number of motor cars (excluding omnibuses) exported from Germany to the United Kingdom and other British countries during the 12 months ended September, 1938.
Exported from Germany to Number of motor cars (excluding omnibuses).
United Kingdom 3,942
Eire 102
British India (including Burma) 1,984
Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States and British East Indies. 196
Ceylon and Maldive Islands 168
Union of South Africa 2,731
Gold Coast 85
Kenya and Uganda 64(a)
Nigeria 176(a)
British West Indies and other British Possessions in Central and South America. 222
(a) This figure may be slightly defective.