§ 27. Mr. Luardasked the President of the Board of Trade how many passenger cars were exported in the first nine months of 1966; and how these figures compare with the figures for the same period in 1964 and 1965.
§ Mr. LuardDo not these figures show that the motor industry was suffering increasing difficulties in a very important part of its market even before the July measures were introduced? Does not 1291 this make it more important to enable the industry to reduce its unit costs and to increase its exports by some relaxation of the restrictions imposed in the home market?
§ Mr. MasonMy hon. Friend is generally correct. Falls have occurred this year in exports of cars to the Common Market and to the European Free Trade Area, and I indicated earlier in Question Time one reason why they have fallen in respect of E.F.T.A. But sales to North America show a substantial increase.