§ 25. Mr. Callaghanasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will call together British motor car manufacturers to discuss what improvements can be made in their after-sales servicing in foreign countries.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir; there is frequent discussion of this subject between my Department and the manufacturers. In addition, the National Advisory Council for the Motor Manufacturing Industry, on which both sides of the industry are represented, provides appropriate machinery for discussing this problem as well as others which confront the industry. This matter was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the Council.
§ Mr. CallaghanI am glad to hear that, but what we want is some action. Is the President aware that there is a weight of opinion among those who import British motor cars into other countries that what is needed is a far bigger after-sales servicing, which requires much more capital than British motor car manufacturers are able or willing to put into it? How can we sell our cars abroad unless we get a satisfactory service of this sort, which we have not got yet?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI have heard an interesting discussion between both sides of the industry on this matter, but it is not part of the functions of the Board of Trade to provide after-sales service.
§ Mr. CallaghanThen the right hon. Gentleman will not sell any cars.