§ 9. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that motor car exports have fallen for the third month in succession, and for March are 25,699 against 29,991 for March, 1955, making only 73,516 for the first three months against 90,638 for the same period in 1955; to what he attributes this continued fall; what part is played by price or quality; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this decline in our exports.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftMy hon. Friend's figures omit exports of chassis. Exports of motor cars and chassis during March, though lower than a year ago, were 19 per cent. higher than in February and were the highest since October, 1955. The main factors in the fall of exports have been reductions in import quotas in some of the most important export markets and the intensification of foreign competition. Price is probably the most important single factor in determining sales today.
The need to increase exports and the willingness of the Board of Trade to give as much help as possible are facts well known to the industry.
§ Mr. OsborneDo my right hon. Friend's advisers abroad give him any hope that this decline in our exports will shortly be halted?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftVery confident views have been expressed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that, despite increasing competition from foreign sources, it will be able to maintain a substantial volume of export business.
§ Mr. JayIn view of the figures, is not the hon. Member for Louth (Mr Osborne) perfectly justified in urging the Government to take further action? Has the President at least called together the leaders of the motor industry, offered them the assistance of the Government, and urged them to concentrate on exports?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI am advised in this matter by the National Advisory Council for the Motor Manufacturing Industry, and I am happy to receive its advice at any time.