HC Deb 09 July 1985 vol 82 c394W
Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress made by General Motors towards manufacture in the United Kingdom of more cars that are sold in the United Kingdom under the Vauxhall name.

Mr. Butcher

In 1984 General Motors stated to Government its intention to work for a better balance between what it sold in the United Kingdom and what it manufactures and purchases here. Within this broad objective, Vauxhall aimed to source in the United Kingdom 65 per cent. of the cars sold here by the end of 1984. In fact Vauxhall only sourced 42 per cent. of its cars here in 1984, 45 per cent. in the current year to date, and now says it is unlikely to achieve a 65 per cent. local build over at least the next three years. The United Kingdom content even of those cars that are made here was less than 50 per cent. in 1984. The Government look to Vauxhall to provide a substantial and convincing demonstration of its willingness to move in the right direction and are continuing discussions aimed at achieving that objective.