§ 12. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will initiate discussions with trade unions and employers in the motor cycle and allied industries in order to make the necessary adaptations within these industries to ensure that exports are expanded or at least maintained.
§ Mr. ErrollNo, Sir.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that the American motor industry intends next year to manufacture a million of what it calls sub-compact motor cars, which will be an even more grievous challenge to our already contracting motor industry than was the introduction of the compact car, which made such an important contribution to our recession in 1958? In those circumstances, is it not desirable that the motor industry should have some form of association, for example, with the Chancellor's new planning body, in order to concert its efforts, which have hitherto been anarchic, catch-as-catch-can, and snatching a quick profit only to be followed by a prolonged recession?
§ Mr. ErrollI read the hon. Gentleman's Question as referring to the motorcycle, and not the motor-car, industry. I do not know whether he intended me to consider the motor-car industry as well but, if so, the answer would be the same. When the new planning organisation is set up, it will be for the Council to decide what subjects it should study first.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs not that a rather supine attitude on the part of the Minister? Is not it the case that the Government have a responsibility in this matter, and should not they take some initiative in connection with the whole range of the motor industry, from motor cycles to motor cars? Is it not up to the Minister to take some initiative in this matter?
§ Mr. ErrollI should like hon. Gentlemen opposite to realise that the Government are not responsible for everything. Industry is responsible for running itself, and the Government do not want to become meddlesome old governesses poking their noses into everything that goes on.