HC Deb 12 July 1971 vol 821 cc23-4
12. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the negotiations with Japan for acceptance by Japan of Hong Kong as a beneficiary country within the Generalised Preference Scheme.

Mr. Anthony Royle

Discussions with Japan on the question of Hong Kong's inclusion as a beneficiary in the Japanese Generalised Preference Scheme have taken place over a period of many months. The question was also discussed by my right hon. Friend with Mr. Aichi, the then Japanese Foreign Minister, during his visit to London last month. As stated in the communiqué after these talks, Mr. Aichi declared that it was the intention of the Japanese Government to include Hong Kong in their scheme, subject to certain restrictions and some delay in application.

Mr. Blaker

Is my hon. Friend aware how welcome it is that the Government have been able to secure the inclusion by Japan of Hong Kong as a beneficiary under the scheme? Will he tell us how long the delay, to which he has referred, is expected to be?

Mr. Royle

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the points which he has made. Hong Kong and other dependent territories will not be included at the start of the Japanese Generalised Preference Scheme on 1st August this year. The most probable date for their subsequent inclusion is 1st April, 1972. The final shape of the Japanese offer to Hong Kong has not yet been decided.