HC Deb 02 April 1957 vol 568 cc22-3W
43. Brigadier Clarke

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that hire purchase restrictions have caused a General Electric Company's factory to close down in Portsmouth; and what action he intends to take, by relaxing these restrictions, to prevent similar factories from closing down elsewhere.

Mr. Erroll

I am aware that Coldair Limited have recently decided to cease production at their Farlington factory. I do not know whether this decision was due to hire-purchase restrictions. As my right hon. Friend stated in a Written reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Arundel and Shoreham (Captain Kerby), on 29th March, relaxation of existing restraints must depend on our success in improving our general economic position.