asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences for the importation of Packard motor cars from the U.S.A. have been granted since 1st January, 1945; and how many of these vehicles have actually been imported and at what total cost in dollars.

The number of licences granted for the import of cars from the U.S.A. from 1st January, 1945, to the end of April, 1947, was 346. It is not known how many of these were of the make referred to by the hon. Member. The total number of cars imported from the U.S.A. under the licences granted was 88. Foreign exchange was made available in respect of a small proportion only of the cars licensed, the others being licensed as gifts. The sterling equivalent of the exchange so authorised was £9,722.

Cam the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House why finance was made available in any case?

If the question is asked of me in respect of any particular case, I will do my best to give the answer.