§ Mr. PriorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the Transport White Paper on employment in the motor industry. [53186]
§ Mr. BattleThe Transport White Paper sets out a framework for transport policy for the future. The aim of the White Paper is not to restrict ownership of vehicles, but to create policies which give people more choice to create better alternatives bearing in mind the social and environmental impact.
If, as a result of the White Paper, specific policies are introduced either at national or local level, we will as a matter of course consult with industry to determine the likely impact of such policies.
§ Mr. PriorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs in Britain are accounted for by the distribution of cars. [53183]
§ Mr. BattleThe Office for National Statistics estimates that in March 1998 there were 312,300 employee jobs in Great Britain accounted for by units whose principal 561W activity was the sale of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and parts. More detail is available from the 1996 annual Employment Survey; of the corresponding September 1996 figure of 323,000, sales of motor vehicles alone accounted for 215,600 employee jobs. Figures for distribution of cars alone are not available.