§ Mr. Lathamasked the Minister for Trade what representations he has received from British Leyland plc regarding Japanese cars to be made in Mitsubishi's new factory in Australia, likely to come into the United Kingdom in 1983 and attracting a duty of 10.6 per cent., compared with a duty of 57.5 per cent. and quotas for British cars exported to Australia; what response he has made; and whether he intends to take any steps in this respect.
§ Mr. Sproat:I have not received representations from British Leyland plc on this matter but my officials have and my colleagues in the Department of Industry have told me of BL's concern.
Gross imbalances of tariffs of the sort cited by my hon. Friend are a matter of grave concern to Her Majesty's Government. My right hon. and noble Friend made this plain during his recent visit to Australia. There have not yet been any significant exports to this country of cars from Mitsubishi's factory in Australia.