§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses there are which conduct retail, after sales and repair of motor vehicles in the United Kingdom; and how many of them employ fewer than 50 people. [121590]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 11 May 2000]: In 1999, there were 60,455 businesses in these sectors. 8,435 employed fewer than 50.
§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the motor retail franchised dealers(a) he and (b) his officials have visited in the United Kingdom since July 1999. [121595]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 11 May 2000]: My officials are in regular contact with the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) which also includes the National Franchise Dealers Association.
I met with John Edwards of the Phoenix Consortium, a Rover dealer and a member of the RMIF during the recent contacts over Rover.