HC Deb 14 July 1953 vol 517 cc1884-5
22. Mr. J. T. Hall

asked the President of the Board of Trade why mechanically propelled road vehicles and chassis are included in the First Schedule to the Hire Purchase and Credit Sale Agreements (Control) Order, 1952.

Mr. H. Strauss

The restrictions imposed by the Order are part of Her Majesty's Government's general economic policy and the First Schedule includes these goods with many other classes of goods frequently disposed of by hire purchase or credit sale.

Mr. Hall

Is the Minister aware that Smiths Electrical Vehicles, a firm on the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, who produce mobile shops, are greatly hampered by the operation of this order? Does he realise that the person who buys a stationary shop is allowed 25 years to pay for it, while the person who buys a mobile shop is allowed only 18 months? Will he take steps to remove this anomaly?

Mr. Strauss

I have given reasons for the inclusion of these goods in the Schedule. About the industry to which the hon. Member has referred, it has, of course, benefited greatly by the reduction in Purchase Tax in the recent Budget.

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, but will the Minister please explain how he can reconcile the maintenance of this Order, and in particular the inclusion of mechanically propelled vehicles in it, with the intention of the Government to stimulate investment?

Mr. Strauss

Obviously we cannot indulge in question and answer on a matter more appropriate for discussion on the Finance Bill. This Order has been approved by this House.

Mr. Gaitskell

The hon. and learned Gentleman defended the maintenance of this Order on the grounds that it was part of the policy of Her Majesty's Government. I ask how he can reconcile this with another part of the policy of Her Majesty's Government. I suggest to the hon. Gentleman that he had better try to reconcile his policy in the Board of Trade with that of the Treasury.

Mr. Strauss

If we were now debating the general policy of Her Majesty's Government, an answer would be given to the right hon. Gentleman. What this Question asks is why particular goods are in the Schedule to the Order. The answer to that question has been given.

27. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to lay before the House the Order amending the Hire Purchase and Credit Sale Agreement (Control) Order, 1952, exempting from that Order's requirements hire-purchase agreements relating to the disposal of Road Haulage Executive vehicles.

Mr. H. Strauss

My right hon. Friend hopes to make and lay the necessary Statutory Instrument soon.

Mr. Davies

Before his right hon. Friend proceeds with this Order, would the hon. and learned Gentleman draw his attention to the circular issued by Transport Unit Finance, which is operated jointly by the Road Haulage Association and United Dominions Trust, on the denationalisation of road transport, in which they are offering to purchase units from the Road Haulage Executive for resale on hire purchase? Does not that show that the purpose for which it is proposed to lay this Order has been completely undermined, as it will not help the small man but the large trust?

Mr. Strauss

The merits of the Statutory Instrument can be more easily discussed when the Statutory Instrument has been laid. Then, if necessary, a debate will arise.