§ 58. Mr. Chapmanasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a list showing the main countries in Western Europe to which British motor cars are exported, the nature and degree of restrictions on this trade in each case, and the steps he is taking to reduce these barriers and increase this trade.
§ Mr. ErrollA statement showing the main European markets for United Kingdom and the import licensing regulations in force for United Kingdom cars in those countries is given below. We are working in the G.A.T.T. and in the O.E.E.C. to secure the elimination of the remaining quota restrictions against our exports generally, and in the E.F.T.A. Convention there are specific provisions for the progressive removal of all quota restrictions.
22WFollowing is the statement:
PRINCIPAL DESTINATIONS OF UNITED KINGDOM EXPORTS OF MOTOR CARS TO WESTERN EUROPE
Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Austria, Western Germany, Switzerland, France, Norway, Portugal, Italy.
IMPORT LICENSING POSITION FOR CARS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM ENTERING THE WESTERN EUROPEAN MARKETS
I. Imports of cars from the United Kingdom are not at present restricted in the following Western European markets: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Portugal. In addition, imports of cars over 3,000 c.c. in engine capacity into France and of most completely knocked down cars into Benelux are not restricted.
II. There are quotas for imports of British motor cars into Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and France. The values of these quotas, which are confidential, are negotiated between the United Kingdom and the country concerned. In practice imports of United Kingdom cars into Sweden and Switzerland are not restricted as licences are issued freely.
III. In the case of the Benelux and Norwegian quotas importers can use their licences to buy motor cars where they choose and our share of the quota depends on how competitive we are.