HC Deb 22 November 1976 vol 919 cc1861-2
10. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what further representations he has made to the Japanese Government about the imbalance between Japanese imports to Great Britain and British exports to Japan.

27. Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the state of trade between the United Kingdom and Japan in the light of the recent visit to this country by a Japanese delegation to discuss trade.

Mr. Dell

In recent discussions with the Keidanren delegation, we made it clear that the level of our visible trade deficit with Japan is unacceptable. Similar views were expressed by the other EEC countries which the Keidanren visited. I understand that these views are now being considered urgently in Japan and I hope for an early response. The European Council will be discussing these matters at its next meeting.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Will the Secretary of State assure the House that he is not looking to the EEC to carry out the bulk of this negotiation? Does he agree that the imbalance of visible trade is greater between this country and Japan than it is between any other Western European country and Japan?

Mr. Dell

For its common commercial policy, the European Community has a definite interest in this matter. It strengthens our position to be associated with it in this discussion. It is true that we have a serious deficit with Japan and that it has increased, but other member countries have large deficits with Japan which are also increasing and they are as concerned as we are about the situation.

Mr. Sims

Is it not true that the expansion of exports to Japan depends not only on the wording of Japan's regulations but on the spirit in which they are deployed? Will he use his good offices to persuade the Japanese authorities that it is in their interests as well as ours to adopt a less rigid approach and a more co-operative implementation of their regulations?

Mr. Dell

I have much sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman has said. We have made it clear that there must be a reduction in this deficit and that it is better if that reduction takes place primarily through an increase in Japanese imports.

Mr. Alexander Wilson

Will the Secretary of State tell the House what percentage of imports from Japan is attributable to the Joseph Lucas Company, which buys all its car lighting equipment from Japan when we have 18 units capable of supplying them in Britain? There is one in my constituency.

Mr. Dell

I cannot give my hon. Friend that figure without notice.

Mr. Powell

Will the Secretary of State make it clear that the trading accounts which are referred to in Questions such as this are the trading accounts of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Dell

The right hon. Gentleman is, of course, quite right. I am sorry that I misunderstood his earlier question.