§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will publish a table showing the number of voluntary restraint agreements in operation between Japan and the United Kingdom; when each was introduced; for what purpose they were introduced; and what additional sums fall to be paid in each category by consumers in consequence of any assurances required on pricing and other issues; if he will take steps to cancel the restrictions on the imports of cars from Japan: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe Government are aware of only one current voluntary restraint arrangement—that on imports of vehicles from Japan, which came into operation in 1975 following discussions between the United Kingdom and Japanese vehicle industries. The arrangement involves no assurance on prices. There have been several academic and other studies attempting to estimate how far the VRA raises overall car prices in the United Kingdom, with results ranging from 2 to 10 per cent.
As part of the preparations for completion of the single market in 1992, the European Commission is expected shortly to make proposals for an EC-wide policy on Japanese vehicle imports. When proposals are available, the Government will give them careful consideration.