HC Deb 14 November 1950 vol 480 cc140-1W
95. Mr. F. Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many United States motor cars of each make are permitted to be imported into this country for display purposes.

Mr. Bottomley

Under a special arrangement for the 1950 International Motor Exhibition, 11 importers were allowed to bring in 66 United States cars of 16 different makes. No other United States motor cars were permitted to be imported for display purposes.

96. Mr. F. Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the disposal arrangements of United States cars imported into this country for display purposes.

Mr. Bottomley

United States cars are imported for display purposes only for the International Motor Exhibitions. Import licences for cars for the 1950 Exhibition were granted on the understanding that the importing agents would dispose of as many of the cars as possible to persons able to pay in dollars or other hard currency; and that as much of the balance as possible would be absorbed within the agents' organisations or sold to persons (e.g., doctors) who in the national interest should have them. A one-year covenant against re-sale is obtained for all cars sold.