§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what steps he proposes to restrict the importation of EEC manufactured motor vehicles into the United Kingdom in view of the 6 per cent. increase in the share of United Kingdom car sales gained by EEC manufacturers in 1977;
(2) if he will initiate negotiations with EEC trade Ministers and vehicle manufacturers, which increased their share of the United Kingdom vehicle market by 6 per cent. last year, with a view to restricting this growing penetration of the United Kingdom market.
§ Mr. MeacherThis would be contrary to the provisions of the Treaty of Rome. We would in any case have to weigh such action against the possibility of retaliation against our own substantial exports not only of cars but of commercial vehicles and components where we are in surplus with the EEC.