§ 14. Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions he has recently held with his EEC colleagues about facilitating the export of European Community goods and services to Japan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DellMy Department takes an active part in EEC discussions on trade with Japan and has contributed to the preparation for the talks which Commismission representatives will be having with the Japanese Government in Tokyo on 10th and 11th June.
§ Mr. ArnoldSince the retail outlets in Japan are largely controlled by the leading manufacturers and since it is almost impossible to buy into Japanese companies to gain access to the market, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Europe has so far been unable to come to a solution for overcoming what are in effect non-tariff barriers?
§ Mr. DellIt is certainly true that Europe as a whole has a very unsatisfactory trade balance with Japan. I think that these are matters upon which we shall be able to improve in the multilateral trade negotiations.
§ Mr. HoyleWhen will we say to Japan that enough is enough and that she can no longer expect to export to all countries but take imports from none?
§ Mr. DellI do not think that my hon. Friend should exaggerate to that degree. Obviously this is a serious matter and we need seriously to improve the present trade balance between Japan and the European Community and this country. Of course, we have a number of arrangements with Japan which give some protection to industry in this country, and we shall continue them. But I accept that there is a serious problem here.