§ 20. Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the prices of new cars in the UK and in the rest of the EU. [95843]
§ Dr. HowellsThe European Commission publishes a six-monthly comparison of pre-tax car prices across the European Community. The most recent one covered prices at 1 May this year; the UK was the most expensive market for 62 of the 75 models covered.
The Competition Commission is looking into new car prices in the UK and has been asked to report by 16 December. The Secretary of State will decide what action to take in the light of any adverse findings the Commission may make. We await the Commission's report with interest.