LESS RESTRICTION ON MOTORISTS.

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 78, 28 September 1918, Page 14

LESS RESTRICTION ON MOTORISTS.

There are no glaring cases of legislation directly aiming at interfering with the manufacture of motor vehicles, consequently the sentence quoted must refer to the laws which, from the very first, have been imposed to limit, the use of motors and to make their use expensive and subject to restrictions and petty annoyances. Perhaps the best way in which the .Government could ensure the prosperity of the British motor industry would be by sweeping.away all the taxes and handicaps applied to motorists. This would give the necessary stimulus which would ensure an immense demand for vehicles. We do not go so far as to suggest carrying out this policy to its fullest extent, because we feel that by suitable bargaining arrangements may be made_ under which the motoring community will, in return for moderate payments, secure a much improved road system. Therefore it would' not be politic to establish the principle of no j motor taxes at all. It,is, however, clear that when the motor industry puts forward its case for safeguards or protection before the board which it is now recommended to be set up to consider such cases, one of the first duties of that body will be to act upon the conclusions . stated by the committee to which it will owe its existence, and to look into all existing motor legislation with a view to seeing whether it is riot ill-advised and therefore detrimental to the national interest. Thus we see that, intentional or otherwise, the British motor industry, in putting forward its own difficulties and asking for help, is very likely to secure a marked improvement in conditions for all classes of motor user. MAGNETO MANUFACTURE A "KEY" INDUSTRY. Dealing with magnetos, the Balfour of Burleigh Committee regards them as a typical example of a "key" industry for motor cars, aircraft, and motor boats. This was monopolised before the war by the Bosch Co., of Stuttgart. Of 300,000 magnetos imported 90 per cent, came from them, and but for the company's stock in this country the military position would have been serious. Assistance will be required by the British industry which has taken up the manufacture of magnetos successfully. The Bosch Magneto Co. in London is being wound up. Steps are being taken to deal with the enemy patents. For five years after the war the importation of magnetos of present enemy origin should be prohibited, subject 'to license, and a 33J; per cent, ad valorem import duty should be imposed on all magnetos and ignition apparatus. For three years after the war Government Departments should stipulate in contracts for British-mado magnetos.. . . c.