§ 28. Mr. Favellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on import penetration of the domestic motor market.
§ Mr. ButcherIn the first four months of 1986 figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that import penetration in the domestic car market had fallen to 55.1 per cent. This is the lowest level recorded in a corresponding period for four years and compares with an overall figure of 58.1 per cent. for 1985. The fall in the share of the United Kingdom car market taken by imports this year is due to a more favourable pattern of sourcing adopted by the multinational car companies, a situation which I trust will persist.