HC Deb 09 February 1994 vol 237 cc317-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the effect of the takeover of Rover by BMW on the share of the United Kingdom car market taken by imports.

Mr. Sainsbury

We would expect the acquisition of Rover by BMW to strengthen Rover's competitiveness still further, thus increasing the ability of United Kingdom-based manufacturers to increase their share of the United Kingdom market.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made as to the effect on United Kingdom car manufacturers of being taken over by foreign companies.

Mr. Sainsbury

The effect on car manufacturers being taken over by foreign-owned companies will vary from case to case.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made as to the effect of United Kingdom membership of the EC on United Kingdom car plants being owned by foreign companies.

Mr. Sainsbury

None.