HC Deb 25 February 1946 vol 419 cc1537-8
8. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if it is in accordance with the Government's policy that motor manufacturers should export unassembled British cars for assembly in factories abroad.

Mr. Wilmot

The Government's policy is to secure the maximum amount of trade by encouraging the export of motor vehicles. In some cases the requirement is for unassembled cars only and we wish to see this satisfied by British manufacture.

Mr. Edelman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at least one motor firm has made arrangements to export unassembled motor cars to the Argentine; and that this will inevitably cause unemployment among assemblers, fitters and body workers in the British motor industry?

Mr. Wilmot

I should have thought we were hard put to it to find enough people to manufacture what we need.

Mr. Edelman

May I ask the Minister, in that case, if he is aware that only in the last few days 1,300 motor workers in Coventry have been declared redundant?