§ 7. Mr. Sorensenasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the decline in the sale of British motor cars in Nigeria compared with the increased sale of non-British cars and of complaints of delay and difficulties in servicing British cars; and what action he will take to assist the increase of exports to Nigeria by British motor manufacturers.
§ Mr. MaudlingSales of British motor cars in Nigeria have increased steadily in recent years, but the United Kingdom's share of the market has decreased. All aspects of this matter, including the problem of servicing, are being studied jointly with the industry.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that that Answer is extremely ambiguous and conveys no concrete information? Can he say whether, according to the information which he has gathered, the statement implicit in my Question is true and that it is very difficult to find proper servicing for British cars? In that case, what is being done to see that they are serviced properly or that facilities are provided for that purpose?
§ Mr. MaudlingNo doubt better servicing could be provided. We are discussing with industry ways and means by which this can be done.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister of Northern Nigeria had an air-conditioned Rolls Royce, that when it went over a laterite road he was entirely covered in red dust which had come through the air conditioner, and that consequently he got rid of it and is buying an American car?
§ Mr. MaudlingNo, Sir. I am not aware of that