§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the relative pre-tax pricing of vehicles in the United Kingdom for ordinary car buyers and for fleet buyers and for purchases of the same vehicle on the continent; and what plans he has to introduce legislation or take other steps to safeguard the consumer's interests in this area.
§ Mr. RedwoodMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations about car prices. A reference relating to the supply of new motor cars was made to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on 9 May 1990. In making the reference the Director General of Fair Trading drew attention to concern about apparent differences between prices in the United Kingdom and other European countries. On 31 October 1991 the Commission delivered their report to the Secretary of State who is currently considering it. The report will be published as soon as is practicable. The contents of all MMC reports remain confidential until publication. If the MMC find no adverse effects the Secretary of State has no power to act. If the MMC have reached any adverse findings he will decide what steps, if any, should be taken to remedy the situation. He will also consider whether or not to announce a period of consultation before reaching his conclusions if the report is adverse.