§ 4. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Labour how many workers were employed in the motor cycle industry and other industries associated with it on 1st December, 1961.
§ Mr. HareThe latest figures available are for the end of October. It is estimated that, at that date, there were 34,400 persons employed in the motor cycle, three-wheeled vehicle and pedal cycle industries.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs this not another case of an industry in relative decline? Will the Minister apply his mind to the fact that certain restrictive practices exist in the motor cycle industry, one example of which is to be found in one of the major firms which now has a prospect of substantial redundancy before it but which is committed to a contract exclusively for French engines for a number of years to come, this being a condition of maintenance of its contract for the assembly of imported parts? Is not the essential problem in the motor cycle industry one of initiative in design on 912 the part of manufacturers to revitalise this old and traditional industry?
§ Mr. HareThe hon. Gentleman had an adjournment debate on this subject on 1st December, when he did, I think, express his views very strongly. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, in answer to that debate, explained that he felt that it was for the industry itself to put its own house in order, while indicating at the same time that the Government were prepared to help and co-operate in any way they can.
§ Mr. EdelmanWhat initiative have the Government taken in order to inspire the industry to take the action which they have recommended?
§ Mr. HareWhat my hon. Friend said was that it was for the industry to take the initiative to put its own house in order, but he added that if it were prepared to do that the Government would do all they could to help.