§ 110. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Minister of Supply how many motor cars and trucks are now held up for lack of shipping space; what steps are taken to prevent depreciation; and whether he will consider releasing a proportion of such cars in order to meet the urgent demands of holders of essential petrol coupons in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. J. JonesAbout 2,750 cars are awaiting shipping space. At the present rate of movement this represents only a few days' shipments and is considered to 217W be quite reasonable. It has not been possible in the time available to obtain information about the number of trucks, but no recent instances of abnormal delay have been reported. Vehicles do not leave the manufacturers' works until shipping space is available and the manufacturers take the normal steps to maintain them. The number of cars awaiting shipment is not sufficient to justify the release of a proportion for sale in the home market.