§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received about skills shortages in the retail motor industry. [92652]
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§ Alan JohnsonI receive regular representations about skills shortages in a wide range of sectors, including the retail motor industry. I was therefore pleased that a development contract has been granted for the Automotive Skills Council, which is designed to address critical skills issues in this sector.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the effect of the Government's Supply of New Cars Order 2000. [92651]
§ Alan JohnsonResponsibility for monitoring the Supply of New Cars Order 2000 and investigating allegations of anti-competitive behaviour lies with the Director General of Fair Trading.
One of the main provisions of the Order is designed to ensure that manufacturers do not unjustifiably discriminate between discounts for fleet customers and dealers. The OFT's most recent investigation was published on 29 January 2002. The OFT found that in that particular case, the anti-discrimination rules had not been broken. The OFT will continue to monitor compliance with the Order and investigate any complaints.