§ 8. Mr A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Transport whether he is able to account for the large increase in the registrations of private motor-cars during the last year; and whether he proposes to introduce any restriction?
§ The Minister of Transport (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon)It would not be in the public interest to give the figures for which my hon. Friend asks.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware of a statement made in the House recently to the effect that 77,000 extra private cars had been licensed last year?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThat is a question of licensing. If I gave my hon. Friend figures regarding registrations, it would be a reflex of the productive capacity of the country. If he will ask about licensing, I will give him information on that subject.
§ Mr. Robert GibsonWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman observe that he is not asked for figures, but for the reason for the increase, and can he answer that question?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThere has been no increase, but a big decrease in registration.
§ Mr. LeachHas the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not now arrived at the conclusion that pleasure motoring ought to be abolished?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonNo, Sir.