§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is seeking any changes in the current EC regime governing the trade in motor cars, 427W including those of partly Japanese origin, between the member states in which they are manufactured; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 26 November 1990]: The Government are participating in discussions about the European Commission's proposals for the eventual abolition of restrictions on imports of vehicles from Japan. We are adamant that there must be no link between any continuing ceilings set for imports from Japan and the treatment of cars made in the EC by Japanese-owned companies. Such cars are European and must continue to be allowed unlimited free circulation throughout the EC. I believe that this has now been accepted by other member states and by the Commission. I will inform the House of the outcome of the discussions when agreement has been reached.