§ 4. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the effect of the Australian and New Zealand imports cuts on the sale of British motor cars; and what representations he has made to the authorities concerned.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftYes, Sir; I regret that Australia and New Zealand have had to impose these cuts on their imports from all sources, but they were unavoidable and it would not be appropriate to make representations against the measures taken. I hope that our motor car manufacturers will be successful in making good the loss by exports to other countries.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that the motor industry is now trapped between these restrictions abroad and the Chancellor's impositions at home? In view of the anxiety about employment in Coventry, will not the right hon. Gentleman take further action to open the channels of trade?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI think that the action taken by Australia and New Zealand in an all-round cut in imports was, unfortunately, necessary, not only in their own interests, but in those of the sterling area as a whole. I understand that the motor industry is successfully filling the gap by expanding exports to other markets.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs it true that Australia has made a cut all round? Has she cut dollar imports as well?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftAustralia deals with dollar imports rather separately and more restrictively.