§ 18. Mr. Maloneasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that there are no unfair restrictions inhibiting the sale of motor vehicles in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. FletcherBy its nature the selective distribution system of the motor trade contains certain restrictions. Whether any of those restrictions is, on balance, justified is a matter for consideration by the Director General of Fair Trading or the European Commission as appropriate under the relevant competition legislation.
§ Mr. MaloneIs it the Government's policy that British purchasers of motor cars should be able to buy them at the keenest possible prices? If it is, will they do something about the fact that cars can be purchased more cheaply in Europe? Should not United Kingdom purchasers be able to buy motor vehicles at the same prices as their European counterparts?
§ Mr. FletcherSubject to taxes, and on occasions distortions in the market place, I agree with my hon. Friend. We support the objectives of the Commission and we are discussing with it and with the motor manufacturers and consumer groups here how best to act in the interests of the consumer and the producer in Britain.
§ Mr. GouldWhat instructions were given to the United Kingdom representatives on the advisory committee which is looking at the final draft?
§ Mr. FletcherThe instructions were precisely in the terms that I described just now.
§ Mr. ForthWhile I am grateful for my hon. Friend's replies, may I ask him to be careful not be seduced by the arguments often advanced for the reduction of motor car prices in the United Kingdom, based simply on a slick comparison with prices in certain other continental countries? Will he be careful to listen to representations from the British motor industry about the potential effect of an arbitrary limitation of the kind being suggested in some quarters?
§ Mr. FletcherYes, and only last week I had a meeting with the motor manufacturers.