§ 68. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the production of commercial vehicles in this country is only about one-and-a-half times higher than pre-war; and if he will reconsider the limits he has imposed upon production and use of our commercial vehicles for home use.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)The present output of commercial vehicles is more than double the rate before the war. The country cannot afford the loss of exports which would result from an increase in supply to the home market.
§ Mr. BossomWhy could not the Minister allow them to produce more vehicles? The industry does not quite agree with his figure. I do not know whether he or the industry is wrong, but they do not agree with him. Could he not allow more cars to be made, so that we could have more at home?
§ Mr. StraussWe should be delighted to have more cars made so long as they are exported.
§ Mr. BossomNo, for use at home.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydCould the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the petrol situation has not been allowed to affect his decision in this matter?