§ 17. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the number, and the value in American dollars, of American cars imported into Nigeria during 1946 and 1947, respectively.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe number imported in 1946 was 82, valued at 104,000 dollars, and the number in 1947 was 303, valued at 501,200 dollars.
§ Mr. CooperIs the Minister doing all he possibly can to encourage the importation of suitable British cars in preference to American cars; or is this entirely the responsibility of the Colonial Government concerned?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWell, it is really the number of British lorries that are available for export. It is not a Government matter, but a question of, the number of lorries available for export from Britain, which at the moment is not nearly sufficient to provide for requirements in the Colonies.
§ Mr. CooperI asked about motor cars, and not only lorries.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe same thing applies.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThere is no actual control, but we are in constant communication with the Governors on what dollar expenditure there shall be.
§ Mr. W. FletcherThe Under-Secretary says that there is no actual control but do not these have to go through the Exchange Control?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThat is another question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.