asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what German import restrictions, quotas or controls and homologation and other regulations exist for British car exports to that country; and how these compare with German car exports to this country;(2) what French import restrictions, quotas or controls and homologation and other regulations exist for British car exports to that country; and how these compare with French car exports to this country.

There are no import restrictions, quotas or controls imposed by France or Germany on imports of United Kingdom manufactured cars. French and German imports of cars into the United Kingdom are not subject to any import restrictions, quotas or controls. All three countries have homologation and other regulations relating principally to safety and environmental standards, with which car imports must comply.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will now institute detailed market research into why only one in three British private motorists is currently buying British-manufactured cars.

It is a prime responsibility of the motor industry in this country to ensure that it is fully aware of factors influencing customer choice for cars and that these factors are properly reflected in its products. Employees, management and the Government must now work together to improve still further the industry's competitiveness at home and abroad.