§ 7. Mr. Reader Harrisasked the President of the Board of Trade what is his reason for refusing to grant import licences to American nationals who wish to buy American cars in America and bring them, or have them sent, to this 1106 country; and whether he is prepared to change his attitude to this problem and grant such licences.
Mr. H. WilsonWhile British car manufacturers are devoting such a high proportion of their production to the export drive, it would, in general, be unfair to allow imports of cars from abroad. Facilities are, however, available for American visitors to this country who wish to bring their cars with them. American nationals who change their domicile to this country are also, in certain circumstances, permitted to import their cars.
If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will let me have details. I will look into it.
§ Mr. HarrisIs the President aware that if an American national was allowed to buy a car in America and import it into this country, the profit on the deal, in the case, say, of a Packard car goes to the English Packard company in dollars? Therefore, this country is losing dollars, in addition to the loss of Purchase Tax and Import Duty.
Mr. WilsonI am quite prepared to look at individual cases, but I do not think it would be possible to lay down a general rule.
§ Mr. HarrisonAre we to understand that an American visitor can bring his car into this country and dispose of it under the arrangement which has been referred to?