§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 27 November 2001,Official Report, column 785W, on motor vehicles, what radical pro-consumer change she is advocating to the block exemption for motor vehicles; and what consultation she has had with the retail motor industry and motor manufacturers on this. [20374]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe current block exemption is not working satisfactorily. If consumers are to obtain value for money, then change is needed to secure an effective single European market in new cars and to provide more competition in the retailing of new cars and in their servicing and repair. My officials have had a series of discussions with motor industry trade associations and individual manufacturers and retailers, as well as with the Consumers Association.