HC Deb 08 March 1971 vol 813 c21
19. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many motor vehicles, four-wheeled and two-wheeled, respectively, have been imported from Japan in the last five years.

Mr. Ridley

There were 15,000 passenger cars and 233,000 motor cycles imported in the five years 1966 to 1970; imports of commercial motor vehicles were negligible.

Mr. Iremonger

Will the Government make an inquiry into the structural soundness and safety of Japanese cars?

Mr. Ridley

I do not think that that is for the Government to do—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—but if my hon. Friend would like to write to me about what he has in mind, I will certainly consider it.

Mr. Allason

Has my hon. Friend noticed the tax bias that has grown up in the last five years in favour of light Japanese motor cycles as opposed to heavy British motor cycles?

Mr. Ridley

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer but, again, I will certainly look into it.

Mr. Dell

Can the Minister say why the Government have no responsibility in respect of the safety of cars? This is a most important matter, and one in which the Government should certainly interest themselves.

Mr. Ridley

What my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Ire-monger) referred to was quality, not safety.

Hon. Members

No.