HC Deb 22 June 1984 vol 62 cc281-2W
Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what allocation to companies was made of the United Kingdom portion of the Spanish reduced tariff quotas for the import of motor vehicles during the current quota year ending 30 June.

Mr. Channon

The Spanish authorities did not allocate the reduced tariff quotas to individual countries but rather to maufacturers. No announcement of the allocation was made by the Spanish authorities, but I believe that British manufacturers did as well as others.

Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what arrangements there are for the carry over into the next quota year starting 1 July of any unused portions of the Spanish reduced tariff quotas for the import of motor vehicles arising from failure to perform by (a) United Kingdom companies and (b) other member states of the European Economic Community;

(2) what increase in the Spanish reduced tariff quotas for the import of motor vehicles he has negotiated for the quota year beginning 1 July; and how they are to be allocated as between (a) member states of the European Economic Community and (b) United Kingdom companies.

Mr. Channon

The reduced duty quotas expire on 30 June. No announcement has yet been made by the Spanish Government about quotas for the coming year, their allocation or whether there will be provision for carryover. I am in touch with Spanish Ministers about the priority Her Majesty's Government attach to all these questions.

Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress the Spanish Government have made with the introduction of value added tax to replace the compensation tax and the luxury tax on imported motor vehicles.

Mr. Channon

I understand that legislation to introduce value added tax is in preparation. It will require ministerial approval before being presented to the Cortes. The tax must be in force by the date that Spain joins the Community.

Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to Spanish production of motor vehicles for 1983; and how these compare with United Kingdom production.

Mr. Channon

Comparable Spanish and United Kingdom vehicle production figures for 1983 are readily available from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' publication "Monthly Statistical Review" (April 1984 issue, table 3D), a copy of which is available in the Library.