Context
Motability scheme accounts for one in five new car purchases, presenting an opportunity to boost the UK automotive industry. The question explores whether stipulating only British-built cars could safeguard jobs and create a leading accessible vehicle sector.
Question
One in five new cars is now purchased through the Motability Scheme. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for the British car industry, as the scheme stipulates what cars its users can buy. Has the Secretary of State considered that we could hugely increase the sales of British cars by stipulating that only British-built cars can be bought—and this is public money—by Motability users, which would not just safeguard thousands of British jobs, but create a world-leading industry in accessible vehicles?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Peter Kyle)
That was a very thoughtful contribution, and I am very grateful for it. The Motability Foundation is an independent charity and is regulated by the Charity Commission, but it does engage fully with the Government in the most respectful way. As my hon. Friend would imagine, I have instructed my officials to work with those in the Department for Work and Pensions to see how we can make recommendations and certainly to support the take-up of British cars as much as possible. This Government are of course committed to the growth of the automotive sector. We are providing support through programmes such as DRIVE35, the electric car grant, which will invest up to £2.5 billion of support into zero emission manufacturing across the UK.
Not addressed: The Secretary did not commit to stipulating that only British-built cars can be purchased through Motability but indicated he would instruct officials to work on recommendations.
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)