§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning inducements from Italian state and local authorities to manufacturers of washing machines and tumble driers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherI have received no representations in the past two years about state aids to Italian manufacturers of washing machines and tumble driers. I would be pleased to consider any evidence of unauthorised subsidies contrary to the Treaty of Rome.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what is the estimated share of the British market for washing machines and tumble driers enjoyed by the main British-based producers;
(2)if he will list the share of the British market in washing machines and tumble driers taken by Italian imports for each year since 1975;
(3)if he will list the British-made share of the British market for (a) washing machines and (b) tumble driers for each year since 1975;
(4)if he will list the percentage of the British market in (a) washing machines and (b) tumble driers supplied: (i) by British manufacturers and (ii) by Italian manufacturers.
§ Mr. ButcherInformation on market shares of washing machines is given in the table. Information on market shares of tumble driers is not available as sales by United Kingdom manufacturers are not separately identified.
Share of United Kingdom washing machine market taken by:(Per cent) Manufactures in the United Kingdom Imports from Italy 1975 73 21 1976 72 25 1977 71 25 1978 72 25 1979 72 25 1980 73 22 1981 68 26 1982 68 26 1982 68 27 1983 66 27