HC Deb 20 May 1946 vol 423 cc20-1W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that U.N.R.R.A. have been, and are being, supplied with large consignments of new motor cars straight from the manufacturers and thus restricting the supply of motor cars to the home market; and if he will take steps to alter this and arrange for redundant motor cars from the various Forces to be supplied to U.N.R.R.A.

Mr. Marquand

My hon. and learned Friend appears to have been misinformed. Only 225 British motor cars have been ordered by U.N.R.R.A_ from new production, of which about half have been delivered, the balance being spread over several months. The effect on supplies for the home market is therefore negligible. The possibility of meeting U.N.R.R.A.'s requirements for motor cars from redundant Service vehicles is constantly in mind, but the number of serviceable cars is very small and the requirements of other Government Departments have to be considered in conjunction with U.N.R.R.A. In view of this and of the figures given earlier in my reply, I should not be justified in taking the action suggested by my hon. and learned Friend..