§ Mr. Butcherasked the Secretary of State for Trade what evidence he has that cars imported from COMECON countries are sold in the United Kingdom market at prices below the true cost of production and distribution.
§ Mr. ParkinsonSo far no firm evidence has been found or provided on this point, but discussions between my officials and interested parties within the United Kingdom motor industry are continuing.
§ Mr. Butcherasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many cars have been imported from Spain in each month over the past two years; by which manufacturers; and if he is satisfied that existing trade arrangements for cars are truly reciprocal.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe figures requested are tabled below.
In recognition of the disparate industrial strength of the two parties the concession exchanged between Spain and the Community under the 1970 trade agreement did not provide for reciprocity in individual product sectors in respect of either duties or import quotas. My right hon. Friend therefore looks forward to the rapid dismantling of Spanish import barriers, which will be an important 272W Community objective in the accession negotiations with Spain which start this autumn.
NEW REGISTRATIONS OF NEW CARS IMPORTED FROM SPAIN BY EACH MANUFACTURER—1977–78 Month Chrysler Europe Ford Total Spain 1977— January … 221 — 221 February … 295 — 295 March … 282 — 282 April … 264 — 264 May … 289 — 289 June … 178 — 178 July … 118 — 118 August … 309 — 309 September … 142 — 142 October … 218 — 218 November … 170 — 170 December … 166 109 275 Total … 2,652 109 2,761 1978— January … 313 493 806 February … 212 537 749 March … 432 782 1,214 April … 190 974 1,164 May … 311 591 902 June … 203 1,225 1,428 July … 69 1,098 1,167 August … 472 6,472 6,944 September … 217 4,419 4,636 October … 387 2,802 3,189 November … 479 813 1,292 December … 281 1,202 1 483 Total … 3,566 21,408 24,974 Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.