HC Deb 18 May 1998 vol 312 cc233-4W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the pricing structure for the sale of motor vehicles in the UK relative to that in other EU countries; and what plans she has to review the pricing structure for the sale of motor vehicles in the UK. [42046]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

Following an initiative by the Government at the meeting of European Union Finance Ministers at York in March, the European Commission has been asked to carry out an investigation into price disparities between different EU markets of a range of products and services, including cars.

I propose to await the outcome of this investigation, before considering whether it would be appropriate to take any further action.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the export from the UK of second-hand cars which do not meet environmental standards in the UK. [42048]

Mr. Battle

All vehicles sold in the UK must meet EU environmental standards for emissions. Any vehicle being exported outside the EU will have to meet the standards of the importing country, which may differ significantly from EU standards.

It is not possible from Customs and Excise export figures to identify separately those used motor vehicles which do not comply with UK environmental standards,