§ 17. Miss Burtonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in addition to the cars for export found damaged recently at the docks, a number of other such cars have been found, on arrival at their destinations, to 1407 have been damaged internally; what reports he has received from his representatives overseas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir. But as I said in reply to the hon. Lady's Question on 5th December, I should be glad to bring any evidence of damage to the notice of the manufacturers concerned.
§ Miss BurtonThat is not a matter for the manufacturers or the S.M.M.T. Is the Minister aware that the union believes that this damage exists, that it is worried about its effect on the export trade, and that in Coventry attempts are being made to reach some agreement with the agents? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that the employing side of the industry agrees with the union on this matter and wants an inquiry? Would he not agree that the export market for the motor vehicle industry is important enough to justify examining the matter?
§ Sir D. EcclesIf the union believes that damage exists, perhaps it would submit information either directly to me or through the hon. Lady, and we will examine it.