HC Deb 16 July 1959 vol 609 cc567-8
19 and 20. Mr. Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will abolish the 30 per cent. import duty on motor vehicles;

(2) if he will abolish the 30 per cent. import duty on rubber tyres.

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir David Eccles)

No, Sir.

Mr. Holt

Will the President of the Board of Trade say why? Why should the motor car industry be in this especially highly protected position, far higher than many other industries? In view of the Monopolies Commission's finding that there is very little competition in the tyre industry, is not this an added reason for reducing the protection on tyres?

Sir D. Eccles

As I think that I explained to the hon. Gentleman in a recent debate, the tariff is a bargaining instrument, and to abolish the tariff on motor cars and rubber tyres without receiving anything in return would be wrong. Therefore, I cannot even consider the Question tabled by the hon. Gentleman.