§ 33. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Technology what increase in output from the motor industry he has estimated will occur in 1969, percentum and ad valorem, compared with 1968; and, having regard to the present state of the home market for motor cars, what estimate he has made of increased exports of motor vehicles in 1969.
§ Mr. FowlerThe output of the motor industry as a whole is expected to increase by under 5 per cent. in 1969 in volume terms. Exports of all motor vehicles and parts may increase by about 5 per cent. in volume terms. The increases in value are expected to be slightly larger.
§ Sir G. NabarroIs the Minister aware that after four years of expostulation by the Labour Government about the motor industry the level of production in 1968 is still lower than the level of production that the Tories left in 1964? How does 1326 he account for this dreadful state of affairs?
§ Mr. FowlerClearly, the hon. Member is not aware that last year, when production was virtually at the level of 1964, the boom was export-led. There was a 42 per cent. rise in production for export last year over the year before, and the proportion of production for export was very much higher than in 1964. That is what we have been seeking to achieve.