HC Deb 10 March 1952 vol 497 cc997-8
17. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Supply what export figure for motorcars was fixed for the 12 months ended September, 1951; and what steps he has taken to ensure that this figure has been adhered to.

Mr. Sandys

None, Sir.

Miss Burton

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen an advertisement, like the one I have here, which says: Your new car problem solved. Hire—a 1951 Austin A.40 or A.70 to drive yourself for as little as £1 a day"? As the motor trade organisations have stated that these cars being used by overseas visitors come off the export quota, will he inform the House how many such cars are issued each year for that purpose, and, secondly, what restrictions are placed on their re-sale in this country?

Mr. Sandys

I think that is rather a different question.

20. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Supply if, in view of the further evidence submitted to him by the hon. Member for Coventry, South, and taking into consideration the possibility that the measures suggested by the motor trade may prove inadequate to deal with various infringements arising from the distribution of new cars, he will keep before him for consideration the necessity for setting up a committee of inquiry to receive evidence and make recommendations on the admitted abuses now prevailing.

Mr. Sandys

I am not prepared to assume, in advance, that the new measures decided upon by the motor trade will prove inadequate. I shall, of course, continue to watch the situation closely and shall not hesitate to consider any further action which may appear necessary.

Miss Burton

I have given the right hon. Gentleman further information. As, a week ago, he stated that deposits should be returned to people on request, what action does he propose to take against the Stanbourne Motor Company, Pokes-down Hill, Bournemouth; Westover Garage Limited, Bournemouth; and H. Saunders and Co., 140, Golders Green Road, N.W.?—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is going beyond the limits of a supplementary question.

Miss Burton

On a point of order. The Minister gave that information last week, Sir, and I should like your guidance as to whether I am not in order in giving him examples of where that procedure has not been followed?

Mr. Speaker

That depends on the extent of the supplementary question. Supplementary questions could be indefinitely prolonged if every hon. Member claimed to give a large number of examples in support of his contentions.

23. Dr. Horace King

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will arrange some system of priorities in allocation of new motorcars which will enable taxi-cab owners to obtain a fair share of new cars available.

Mr. Sandys

I trust that the new arrangements decided upon by the motor trade will assure to taxi-cab owners a fair share of the cars available.

Dr. King

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him to realise that taxis have to conform to certain standards or be taken off the road, and that the supply of new cars to this industry is a matter of employment or unemployment to the taxi-men concerned?

Mr. Sandys

I am sure that this is well in the minds of the motor industry, but the hon. Member's Question will bring it to their notice once more.