HC Deb 14 October 1946 vol 427 cc593-4
14. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that members of the Diplomatic Service abroad are compelled to buy foreign motorcars; and whether, in the interest of British industrial prestige, he will arrange special facilities for the purchase of British motorcars by British diplomats.

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir. The motor industry has now arranged to give preference, so far as practicable, to private orders for cars from British representatives overseas. It is, of course, the policy of my right hon. Friend that all official cars supplied to Foreign Service posts should be of British make.

Major Mott-Radclyffe

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is no less important that these cars should be kept on the road and that there should be adequate supplies of spare parts? Daimler cars have been supplied to His Majesty's missions abroad, and it is impossible to get the simplest spare parts without sending all the way to this country for them.

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir, and the Motor Manufacturers' Association is certainly bearing in mind the question of keeping on the road the cars sent overseas.

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