§ 21. Mr. Snowasked the President of the Board of Trade what special conditions imposed by the Japanese Government on importers impose disadvantages on United Kingdom exporters.
§ Mr. RedheadThe Japanese Government impose non-discriminatory import restrictions on certain products. Import licences are granted freely for other products, but a percentage of the value of the goods has to be deposited by the importer as collateral when applying for the licence. The length of credit which may be accepted on imports is restricted to conform with credit conditions in Japan.
§ Mr. SnowFirst, are collaterals in conformity with international law and agreements? Secondly, is my right hon. Friend aware that this bears most heavily on those nations which would export to Japan manufactured goods as opposed to raw materials?
§ Mr. RedheadI know of no offence against any international agreement in this respect. The restrictions apply to imports from all countries, and we have no evidence that they bear more heavily on British exporters than on others. Nevertheless, we shall continue to keep a close watch on these restrictions and take them up with the Japanese Government when opportunity occurs.
Mr. do CannIs the Minister of State aware that there are certain practices on the part of Japanese manufacturers which still regrettably give rise to great concern in the British textile industry? Would he very kindly give these his personal attention with a view to renewing representations on the subject to the Japanese Government?
§ Mr. RedheadI shall be glad to take into consideration any representations of this kind we receive.
§ Mr. SnowIf my hon. Friend's Answer means that he is not aware of the distinction between the import of manufactured goods into Japan and the import of raw materials, would he please have another look at this?