HC Deb 06 November 1950 vol 480 cc571-2
10. Mr. Basil Nield

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement as to the arrangements for the supply of motor cars to the home market for 1951, and as to the factors which will determine priorities among those who wish to have new cars.

11. Mr. Douglas Houghton

asked the Minister of Supply what arrangements are being made to ensure fair distribution of new cars during the period of reduced supplies for the home market.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

The number of cars to be supplied to the home market in 1951 is at present under consideration. In distributing cars in the home market the industry has been asked to give priority to the urgent requirements of doctors and midwives and there is no intention to add to these priority classes. I have, however, asked the industry to consider measures to improve distribution and I await their proposals.

Mr. Nield

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the special position of commercial travellers and other business people who very urgently need a car and who may have a very old one?

Mr. Strauss

There are so many people to whom one can say that special conditions attach, that if we extend this list it would become so wide as to be quite meaningless.

Mr. Houghton

Can my right hon. Friend do anything to stop the practice of some distributors of offering a new car, plus a cash premium, in return for a used car just out of covenant?

Mr. Strauss

I think that is a matter for the motor car industry, which is very active in trying to stop abuses.

Mr. Watkinson

Is the Minister considering with the industry the question of a possible three-year contract?