HC Deb 11 May 2000 vol 349 cc445-6W
Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) Rover franchised dealers and (b) BMW franchised dealers there are in the United Kingdom; and how many people are employed in each. [121592]

Mr. Byers

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 29 March 2000,Official Report, column 196.

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussion his Department has held with the retail motor industry representatives since the publication of the Competition Commission report into the sale of new cars. [121593]

Mr. Byers

Since the publication of the Competition Commission report on the supply of new cars, my Department has had discussions with representatives of a number of industry bodies, including the Retail Motor Industry Federation and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and with representatives of a number of individual companies.

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers he has to(a) amend and (b) withdraw the Block Exemption Regulations relating to the sale of new cars before September 2002. [121594]

Mr. Byers

The current Block Exemption for motor vehicle distribution and servicing agreements is a European Commission regulation. Member states have no power to amend it. Withdrawal of the benefit of the Block Exemption is one of several possible courses of action which the Competition Commission recommended for consideration. My Department is exploring the complex legal questions associated with these options, and is in close discussions with the European Commission.

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are employed in the retail, after sales and repair of motor vehicles in the United Kingdom. [121589]

Mr. Byers

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), at December 1999, 329,913 people were employed in the retail, after sales and repairs of motor vehicles in the United Kingdom.

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses provide services and components to vehicle manufacturers in the United Kingdom; and how many people are employed in these businesses. [121591]

Mr. Byers

The information is not available in the form requested.