§ 2. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology what are the expected export orders and despatches for the motor car industry during 1967; and how these will compare with 1966 and 1965 and with the expectations of the National Plan.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Edmund Dell)It is likely that the total value of the industry's exports in 1967 will be higher than in 1965, and at least as high as the record 1966 figures. No forecast of exports was made in the National Plan for individual years between 1964 and 1970.
§ Mr. BiffenCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is now the Government's view—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. We cannot have Questions against a background of conversation.
§ Mr. BiffenCan the hon. Gentleman say whether it is now the Government's 943 view that the exports of the motor industry are assisted by a buoyant home market or by a restrained home market?
§ Mr. DellQuite clearly, there is a balance of advantages here. It is certainly true that the proportion of exports from the British motor industry has been declining for many years during which the home market has been relatively buoyant.