§ 42. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the communication recently addressed to him by the President of the National Association of Cycle Traders regarding the production of British cycles having reached the lowest point ever; and what action he is prepared to take to assist this industry.
Mr. AmoryI have told the Association that I am considering its representations in conjunction with those which have been recently made to me from the manufacturing side of the industry.
§ Mr. YatesWould the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, for the first seven months of this year, this industry has shown a most alarming decline compared with the two previous years, and that the decline has created alarm among traders? Is he aware that manufacturers in Birmingham and elsewhere are working only to half capacity? Cannot something be done?
Mr. H.. WilsonThe Chancellor of the Exchequer takes a lot of notes. May I ask whether, in addition to taking notes, it would not have been better if he had accepted my Amendment earlier this year to reduce the Purchase Tax on cycles? Furthermore, is he ensuring that the President of the Board of Trade is being active about the American tariff on cycles?
Mr. AmoryI shudder to think what would have happened if I had accepted all the Amendments proposed to the Finance Bill by the right hon. Gentleman.