I have no function in the negotiation of the prices payable by Irish car importers to EC car manufacturers. Consequently, I do not have particulars of the prices at which Irish motor car importers can purchase their stocks from EC based manufacturers nor do I have details of the prices charged by such manufacturers to dealers in the country of manufacture.
Article 85 (1) of the Treaty of Rome prohibits agreements, decisions or concerted practices between undertakings or associations of undertakings which may affect trade between member states and which has as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the common market. In particular those agreements etc. which apply dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties, thereby placing them at a competitive disadvantage, are specifically prohibited. If Irish car importers consider that they are being treated less favourably than dealers in the country of manufacture it is open to them to bring the situation to the attention of the EC Commission.