§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the percentage import penetration of tyres for cars and trucks, respectively, in each of the years 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978 to the end of February; and what were the countries of origin of major tyre importers in those years.
§ Mr. MeacherThe estimated import penetrations, based on numbers, of new
Year Tyres for cars and vans Shares per cent. Tyres for lorries and buses Shares per cent. 1973 … Irish Republic … 29 Austria … 16 Federal Republic of Germany … 16 France … 16 Austria … 14 Federal Repbulic of Germany … 15 1974 … Irish Republic … 24 Federal Republic of Germany … 21 Federal Republic of Germany … 15 Austria … 16 France … 15 France … 15 1975 … Irish Republic … 27 France … 34 Federal Republic of Germany … 12 Austria … 15 France … 10 Netherlands … 9 1976 … Irish Republic … 30 France … 29 Federal Republic of Germany … 16 Federal Republic of Germany … 17 France … 12 Austria … 15 1977 … Irish Republic … 26 France … 25 France … 17 Federal Republic of Germany … 21 Federal Republic of Germany … 16 Japan … 9 Figures for 1978 are not yet available.