§ Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of War Transport how many new motor cars are ready for sale to the public but have not been sold because the requisite licences for their sale have not been granted.
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§ Mr. BarnesSo far as I know, none, Sir. The position is the reverse of that suggested in the Question. Nearly 9,000 licences have been issued and only about 2,000 cars have so far been notified by the manufacturers as having been delivered against those licences.
§ Mr. Aylesasked the Minister of War Transport if he is aware of the difficulty doctors and nurses have in obtaining the promised reconditioned motor cars for their work; and if he can see his way to make larger supplies available for these essential services.
§ Mr. BarnesThese vehicles are at present reserved for disabled ex-Servicemen who need a car to follow an occupation, nurses and midwives. In June last I announced that in view of the very restricted supply of surplus ex-Service cars, and the urgent need of disabled ex-Service applicants, I could no longer consider applications from doctors but would give the latter priority in the grant of licences for new cars. I am informed by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for War and the Minister of Supply and Aircraft Production that no early increase in supplies of reconditioned surplus ex-Service cars is likely, and accordingly I regret that I cannot either entertain applications from doctors or increase the small number of permits being issued to nurses.