HC Deb 25 July 1979 vol 971 cc262-3W
Mr. Butcher

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in the interests of the domestic industry, he will issue guidance to all local authorities and publicly owned utilities similar to that issued in the case of the computers, that they should purchase cars assembled in the United Kingdom.

Mr. David Mitchell

No. The Government have no powers of compulsion in such matters, and the kind of guidance suggested would conflict with our inter national obligations. I do, however, take appropriate opportunities to stress the importance of buying British made goods, including cars, where it makes commercial sense to do so.