§ Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Supply, since the average age of goods vehicles in this country is now 13½ years, as against an average of seven years before the war, and the operation of such an over-aged transport fleet involves an unnecessary drain on the country's economy, by what date will he be able to permit the road transport industry to have not less than 150,000 new vehicles a year, with a view to restoring the fleet to pre-war standard without undue delay.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI do not accept the assumption that the average age of goods vehicles in this country is as high as 13½ years. I cannot foretell when the economic situation will permit an increase in the supply of commercial vehicles to the home market.