§ Mr. Geoffrey Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions his Department is having with the Spanish Government to expedite liberalisation of the Spanish car market over the period before Spain's entry into the European Economic Community;
(2) what representations his Department has made to the Spanish Government on the protection of their small car market, with regard to future reduction of duty and extension of quotas for United Kingdom manufacturers;
(3) whether he is satisfied with the Spanish reduced duty quotas for the import of motor vehicles into Spain after 30 June; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe Government have made clear to the Spanish Government their concern at the anomalous disparity in duties on cars between Spain and the Community. We have also made clear that we hoped that this year Spain would increase its reduced duty quotas for cars. I was therefore disappointed to learn that the quotas have been rolled forward without any increase. Although I understand that Austin Rover has received a useful increase in its allocation under the quotas, I shall continue to press the Spanish Government for an increase.
However, the only effective long-term solution to the problem is in Spain's entry to the Community. In the negotiations the United Kingdom will continue to insist on the earliest possible access for community car manufacturers to the Spanish market at much reduced rates of duty.