HC Deb 15 May 1972 vol 837 cc1-3
1. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the decision of the Japanese Government to exclude Hong Kong from the Generalised Preference Scheme in respect of certain goods; and if he will make a statement.

14. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Japanese Government about their decision to exclude Hong Kong from the Generalised Preference Scheme in respect of a substantial number of items; and if he will make a statement.

18. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Japanese Government about their decision to exclude Hong Kong from the Generalised Preference Scheme in respect of a large number of items; and if he will make a statement.

27. Mr. Dan Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent information he has received from the Japanese Government about their intentions regarding the scope of its Generalised Preference Scheme in respect of Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Kershaw)

The Japanese Government have informed us of their decision to add Hong Kong, along with a number of other countries and territories, to the list of beneficiaries of their Generalised Preference Scheme, but that they have felt it necessary to exclude 96 products specifically for Hong Kong. Her Majesty's Embassy in Tokyo has already made known to the Japanese Government informally our disappointment at the length of the exceptions list. We and the Hong Kong Government are now studying the likely effects on Hong Kong's trade of the exceptions, with a view to making further representations to the Japanese Government.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

As these 96 items represent over 50 per cent. of Hong Kong's trade with Japan, will my hon. Friend assure me that in his forthcoming visit to Tokyo his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will point out to the Japanese that they cannot expect all countries to adopt a liberal attitude towards Japanese exports when they themselves refuse to be liberal?

Mr. Kershaw

I am obliged to my hon. Friend. We take the view that the Hong Kong people are being unfairly discriminated against. Japan holds one-quarter of Hong Kong's entire import market and is running a trading surplus with the colony of well over £200 million a year.

Mr. Blaker

I welcome the fact that my hon. Friend has said that this matter will be taken up again with the Japanese. Is my hon. Friend aware that there will be a great deal of support in the House for vigorous representations to be made to the Japanese Government?

Mr. Kershaw

Yes, Sir. It is our hope that these further discussions will lead to a satisfactory outcome.

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