HC Deb 15 July 1942 vol 381 cc1218-9
31. Sir Robert Young

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that private motor-cars are still being manufactured and can be acquired by civilian users who are in possession of a permit to acquire issued by the Ministry of War Transport; and whether he will consider the advisability of drawing upon the large number of private motor-cars now laid up to fulfil future civilian requirements?

Sir A. Salter

There is at present a very limited production of small private cars for the police and for persons who satisfy the Minister that it is essential in the national interest that they should have new cars. It has not so far been necessary to draw upon laid up cars in the possession of private owners in order to meet essential civilian needs, but should the need arise this course will be taken.

Sir R. Young

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the workers engaged on the production of even these cars could be better employed in other directions?

Sir A. Salter

These special licences are given only for the reasons which I mentioned, and the production of these cars is on a very small scale. I believe that about 100 licences only were given last month.

Sir R. Young

But are the cars which the police require of such a special character that they cannot be obtained from among the large numbers of cars which are at present laid up?

Sir Herbert Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are thousands of very efficient cars in the hands of second-hand dealers and that anybody can obtain a car from them?

Sir A. Salter

The issue of the licences is being very carefully watched, and, as I have said in the answer already given, if necessary existing stocks of cars will be drawn on.

Sir Percy Harris

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring his fresh mind to bear on this subject, and does he realise that there are many quite suitable cars available?

Sir Joseph Lamb

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some county police forces have met their requirements by getting cars—quite voluntarily—from persons who have laid up their cars?