HC Deb 18 October 1966 vol 734 cc7-8
8. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Technology what initiatives he is taking to promote efficiency in the commercial vehicle industry.

Mr. Shore

As my hon. Friend knows, the British commercial vehicle industry holds the biggest share of the world market. We are considering with the motor manufacturing industry as a whole, ways in which further improvements in production methods and more co-operative research and development can be achieved.

Mr. Dalyell

Would the Government consider seasonal variations in Purchase Tax and hire purchase in order to attempt to level up demand for motor vehicles?

Mr. Shore

That is a question which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, rather than to me.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Could the hon. Gentleman tells us exactly when he took over responsibility for the well-being of the commercial vehicle industry? We knew that his Department was to take over part of the Ministry of Aviation but we were not aware that he had these additional responsibilities on his plate. If he has these responsibilities, would he consider reinstating the investment allowances which operated under the previous Conservative Administration, as being the best way to help industry in general?

Mr. Shore

As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, questions of that kind are certainly for the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Ministry of Technology assumed responsibility for the motor vehicle industry in, I think, February of this year.