§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of War Transport if he will give an estimate of the number of motor cars, both new or secondhand, available for sale in this 174W country; and will he take steps to remove restrictions on their purchase so that the motor cars may be put into use and the factory space cleared for further manufacture.
§ Mr. BarnesThe number of new motor cars produced for sale in this country between 1st July and 13th October is estimated at about 1,900, but no estimate can be made of the number of secondhand cars available for sale apart from reconditioned ex-Service cars, as they are distributed with agents, dealers and private individuals throughout the country. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production, assures me that he has no evidence that new manufacture is being delayed by the occupation of factory space by unsold cars.
It is my intention to remove the present licensing control on the purchase of new motor cars so soon as the supply reaches a level which will give those who need a car in the national interest a reasonable assurance of being able to obtain one in the open market. There is no restriction on the sale of secondhand cars other than surplus ex-Service cars; there are very few of the latter, and I am reserving them for nurses, midwives and badly disabled ex-Service men who need a car to follow an occupation.
§ Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of War Transport if he is aware that Vauxhall Motors are turning out 90 new cars in November and 200 in December, but have received only 16 permits from would-be purchasers; and will he issue permits at a rate not less than the rate of production and so prevent the danger of unemployment in the motor industry.
§ Mr. BarnesThe total number of licences which have been issued in respect of Vauxhall cars is 173. Further licences are being issued next week which will more than cover the production for November and December as stated in the Question. I am having the position closely watched.