Car Industry (Hansard, 3 July 1997)

§ 25. Mr. Prior
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the United Kingdom car industry. [5229]

§ Mr. Battle
From 1995 to 1996, UK car manufacturers' output increased by 10 per cent to 1.7 million, although overcapacity throughout the European industry remains a matter of concern. There has been some increase in exports which is welcome.

§ Mr. Prior
Why have we in the United Kingdom attracted so much foreign inward investment over the past 19 years?

§ Mr. Battle
On 12 June this year, Ford met the Prime Minister and announced investment here which was welcomed by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. There will be investment of £40 million. Investment is coming into this country, Britain is a highly competitive location and the skills, hard work and dedication of the work force have attracted the investment they deserve.