Labour MPs accuse Charles of hypocrisy over German car deal

The Prince of Wales' appeal to public bodies to buy British backfired yesterday over the news that he has agreed a deal with the German car maker Audi.

Labour MPs accused the Prince of hypocrisy and of supporting "millionaire farmers" to the detriment of other ailing British industries.

A St James's Palace spokesman sought to defend the Prince, saying that he was "talking about food, not cars" when he wrote an article backing the British farming industry.

Labour MPs lined up to criticise him. Paul Flynn (Newport West) said: "He is a victim of his environment as a millionaire farmer. He fails to see the aluminium, steel or hi-tech industries having their hearts torn out." Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) said: "Charles should put his money where his mouth is when it comes to the British car industry."

An Audi spokesman said the deal with the Prince was an "open-ended" leasing arrangement involving four cars and worth about £100,000.

A St James's Palace spokeswoman said she was only aware of the one car bought to replace a Vauxhall Omega the Prince had driven.

She said: "Vauxhall has decided to stop making Omegas so he has had to pick another car and has chosen Audi."

Rival car makers said yesterday the Rover 75 provided the only opportunity to buy British of a similar type. Vauxhall said the Omega, also made in Germany, would continue to be built for another 18 months. The company said it continued to supply Prince Charles's household with about 20 cars.

In an article for the latest edition of Farmers' Weekly, the Prince said British public bodies should buy British food. "Just imagine the amount of food purchased by our hospitals, armed forces, local government, schools and universities. What an impact it would make on the viability of the British farmer if each were to buy British and, preferably, local."

The spokeswoman said: "He was saying that, where possible, people should buy British food. He was talking about the British farming industry and trying to help the British farmer."