HC Deb 22 March 1956 vol 550 cc1443-4
12. Mr. Moss

asked the President of the Board of Trade how exports of motor cars, as far as the figures are available in 1956, compare with the same period in 1955.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The value of exports of new motor cars for the first two months of 1956 was £17.9 million compared with £22.7 million for the same period in 1955.

Mr. Moss

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these doleful statistics are due to the colossal collapse of certain European markets? Are losses likely to follow in Commonwealth countries like Australia, where motor production is being developed on the basis of automatic processes?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Very shortly, I think two factors have combined to have that effect—partly competition from Western Germany in the European markets, as the hon. Member rightly says, and partly the Australian import restrictions.

Mr. V. Yates

Do I understand that the Minister is prepared to leave this situation of declining imports just to the industries? Would he not consider again hearing the views of the National Advisory Council for the Motor Manufacturing Industry? At least for once he might be of some assistance.

Mr. Thorneycroft

I shall be very happy to hear the views of the National Advisory Council for the Motor Manufacturing Industry or anybody in the motor car industry.

Mr. K. Thomson

Can my right hon. Friend form any judgment on what would be the effect on sales overseas of the products of the British motor industry if prices were, for example, 2½per cent. less, 5 per cent. less and 10 per cent. less? If not, will he do so?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think the best judges on that are those people who are concerned in selling motor cars.

Mr. Jay

Will not even those very gloomy figures stir the President into some sort of action?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am not quite sure what sort of action the right hon. Member has in mind.

13. Mr. Moss

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the extra cars produced in 1955 was exported.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The rate of production of cars in 1955 was 19 per cent. higher than in 1954. Exports of cars were 2 per cent. higher.

Mr. Moss

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that of the extra cars produced in 1955 about 5½ per cent. were exported? Does that not indicate the growing difficulties in the export field?

Mr. Thorneycroft

However one measures these percentages, it is true that the increase in production was substantially larger than the increase in exports.