HC Deb 02 March 1978 vol 945 cc338-9W
Mr. Sandelson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that imports of tyres from Europe are fairly competitive; and if he will seek to prevent dumping.

Mr. Hayhoe

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that imports of tyres from Europe are fairly competitive; and if he will seek to prevent dumping.

Mr. Meacher

We have had discussion with the United Kingdom producers about the possibility that there may be unfair

NEW REGISTRATIONS—IMPORT PENETRATION*
Cars Goods Vehicles
Origin 1976 percentage 1977 percentage Percentage increase 1976 percentage 1977 percentage Percentage increase
EEC 25.1 31.1 24 8.2 8.9 9
Japan 9.4 10.6 13 3.8 5.7 50
* Number of imported vehicles expressed as a percentage of total new registrations.
Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The number of registrations of vehicles imported from the United States of America is not readily available, but the market share of such vehicles is probably small.

Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what recent action he has taken to ensure that motor vehicles of Communist bloc manufacture are not being dumped on the United Kingdom market.

Mr. Meacher

None. It is for the industry to take the initiative in framing a case for action by the Community if it believes that dumping and material injury can be demonstrated.