§ 15. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total number and value of motor cars imported into Nigeria in 1955, or any recent period of 376 twelve months; and what proportion of these came from the United Kingdom and the United States of America, respectively.
§ Mr. HareThe information asked for is as follows:
IMPORTS OF MOTOR CARS INTO NIGERIA DURING 1955 — Number Value £ Total imports 6,670 3,642,319 Imports from U.K. 4,012 2,067,273 Imports from U.S.A. 654 468,729
§ Mr. RussellDoes my right hon. Friend not agree that this is a very important market for British car exports, with its large population of over 30 million? Should not the motor car industry take every possible advantage to get into this market and meet foreign competition?
§ Mr. HareI could not agree more with my hon. Friend. I hope that the motor car industry will do all it can to encourage the sales of cars in this territory.
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuDoes not that answer show that the British motor car industry is being as unenterprising in this market as it is in most other overseas markets?
§ Mr. HareI do not think that is fair. The figures which I have just given show that more than half the motor cars in Nigeria are being supplied from the United Kingdom. Still, that is no reason for complacency, and we hope that the United Kingdom motor car industry will increase its sales.