§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the purpose of the voluntary restraint arrangement which limits Japanese car imports to 10.8 per cent. of the United Kingdom market; when it was introduced; and if he will now take steps to remove it.
§ Mr. RidleyThe voluntary restraint arrangement on imports of cars from Japan came into operation in 1975 following discussions between the vehicle industries of the United Kingdom and Japan.
The Government will consider the future of the arrangement within the context of Community-wide moves toward liberalisation of the European car market.
§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what restrictions are imposed on the import of Japanese cars by each member of the EEC; and if the EEC has any plans to remove these restrictions.
§ Mr. RidleyIn addition to the United Kingdom industry's arrangement, France has an unofficial limit on Japanese penetration of the market. There are formal quotas in Italy, Portugal and Spain. Although the Commission has not yet put forward detailed proposals, it envisages that restrictions should be phased out progressively over a transitional period which would extend beyond 1992.