HC Deb 18 October 1976 vol 917 cc932-3
10. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions his Department, alone or in conjunction with the British motor industry manufacturers, has held with the EEC about limiting the volume of exports of motor vehicles from other member countries to the United Kingdom; and what understandings resulted.

Mr. Meacher

None, Sir.

Mr. Miller

Is the Minister aware that such a meeting is due to take place on Friday this week and that the import figure for cars from our European partners has now reached 28 per cent.? What investigations are possible into the dumping of cars by our Common Market partners in this country under the arrangement whereby the EEC is responsible for anti-dumping measures?

Mr. Meacher

As my right hon. Friend has said, the Commission is able to undertake to examine whether one member of the EEC is dumping its, products in the country of another. There are instances where the Commission has acted on that basis. Quota controls raise questions in respect of the EEC, EFTA countries and North America which go far beyond the scope of the Question. The Government are examining the strengthening or consolidation of selective import controls and are also concerned about the possible strengthening in various ways of anti-dumping measures.

Mr. Hardy

Will my hon. Friend confirm that agreements have been made with motor car producers outside the EEC? Is it not rather pointless to have an agreement with Japan or any other non-EEC producer if the gap which is created is then filled by Japan and other non-EEC producers?

Mr. Meacher

I appreciate the significance of my hon. Friend's point and of the argument raised about imports of Japanese cars. It raises political and economic issues which go wider than the question of imports of cars. At present the Government are looking at selective import controls and how these can perhaps be strengthened in various ways in line with the current policy to limit the application of selective import controls in respect of Japan, Eastern European and the developing countries.