HC Deb 17 March 1952 vol 497 cc1917-8
65. Mr, A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds he supported the application of Express Bodies, Rink-ham Way, Southgate, for the granting of a £7,180 building licence.

Mr. Maclay

The Regional Transport Commissioner for the Metropolitan traffic area sponsored this application because he was satisfied that the space then available to the firm for carrying out the repair and maintenance of commercial motor vehicles was inadequate.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that people who find difficulty in getting houses are becoming annoyed at the fact that these garages seem to be receiving unlimited licences for building showrooms in which to sell, and to have on show, second-hand cars which are being sold at inflated prices? Will he see to it that he stops issuing these licences to garages for this purpose and directs the men and material to house building?

Mr. Maclay

In my answer I made it clear that the Question which the hon. Gentleman asked arose out of the need for more space for doing repair and maintenance work on commercial motor vehicles. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have to keep the road transport fleets on the roads if we are to keep going.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that this and other garages are using the new space and the new buildings for showrooms through which to sell and to show second-hand cars which are being sold at high prices? I repeat, this and other garages.

Mr. Maclay

That, again, does not arise out of the Question.