HC Deb 22 February 1982 vol 18 cc263-4W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps in order to subject Japanese-built vans to the 11 per cent. ceiling agreement applicable to cars, in view of the fact that such vans took 25.6 per cent. of the United Kingdom market in 1981.

Mr. Sproat

Although shipments from Japan of light commercial vehicles have been declining since 1980, the Japanese share of the United Kingdom market rose from 12-7 per cent. in 1980 to 18.8 per cent. in 1981. Within this category, the Japanese share for non-car-derived vans rose from 16.1 per cent. to 25.6 per cent. Following the talks last November between the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and its Japanese counterpart, the overall Japanese share of the United Kingdom market for light commercial vehicles is expected to be much smaller this year.