§ Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that each of the 8,000 registered car dealers is entitled to one new car per annum for each of the makes in which he deals; how many such cars have been issued each year since 1945; whether these cars are free of covenant; and what restrictions are placed on their re-sale in this country.
§ Mr. SandysI am informed that there is no such general entitlement and that the arrangements vary between manufacturers. Information about the number of demonstration cars supplied since 1945 is not available. They are subject to covenant on re-sale to the public and a dealer may not sell a demonstration car to a member of the public at a price exceeding the manufacturers' list price, including Purchase Tax, except with the consent in writing of the manufacturer, which, in present circumstances, would not normally be given.
§ Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Supply whether, as the motor trade organisations state that cars used by overseas visitors from car-hire firms come off the export quota, he will inform the House as to the number of cars supplied for this purpose annually since 1946; and what restrictions are placed on their resale in this country.
§ Mr. SandysIn 1948 arrangements were made, in the interest of the tourist trade, for cars to be supplied to car-hire firms sponsored by the British Travel and Holiday Association, in addition to the normal home quotas. Since then just over 4,000 cars have been sold to these firms. The cars are used for at least two years before re-sale.