§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about proposals to equalise car prices within the European Economic Community; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[pursuant to the reply 24 October 1984, c.593]: Many representations have been received from manufacturers, dealers, consumer organisations and other interests about the European Commission's proposed regulation to exempt motor vehicle selective distribution systems from the prohibition on restrictive agreements in the European Community's competition rules.
In response, we have made clear that in determining its attitude to the Commission's proposals the Government have had to take proper account of the interests of all those likely to be affected by the regulation.
Our objective is to achieve a regulation which will prove beneficial to the operation of the EC internal market but which reflects the advantages of selective distribution for motor cars. The Government are continuing to participate in discussions with the Commission to achieve a satisfactory and workable regulation.