§ 19. Squadron-Leader Segalasked the Minister of War Transport whether any action has been taken to prevent the sale of secondhand motorcars at prices in excess of their cost when new; and, if not, upon what grounds he has come to this decision.
§ Mr. BarnesIt has not hitherto been considered advisable to limit the sale price of secondhand cars.
§ Squadron-Leader SegalIs the Minister aware that many demobilised ex-Service-men find a car essential for taking up civilian employment, and does he approve of the present situation and the racket in secondhand cars?
§ Mr. BarnesI am quite aware of the need of ex-Servicemen and, of course, others, and I have done my best to facilitate the acquisition of cars. In regard to the more complicated problem of dealing with prices, I am rather of the opinion that accelerated production in 1946 is the best way of solving this problem.
§ Mr. DribergWhy is it complicated to say that no car shall be sold for more than its original price?
§ Mr. BarnesBecause of the general problem of supervision and matters of that description. In view of this general difficulty, in my judgment, this will best be resolved now by increased production.
§ Mr. EdenIs not the solution the manufacture of cars for the home market, which the Government are discouraging?
§ Mr. BarnesI do not accept that, and the figures in the near future, I think, will prove otherwise.
§ Sir John MellorWill the Minister represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the removal of the Purchase Tax on new cars would go a long way to meet the difficulty?