§ 17. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many road vehicles assembled in Ireland from Japanese components are being imported into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MeacherThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders estimated that about 60 of these vehicles were registered last year—all in Northern Ireland—and about 30 in the first three months of 1978.
§ Mr. AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that the Japanese are building up capacity and a sales organisation in Ireland so as to rush into this country large numbers of these vehicles by the back door, using methods which would not be allowed in Japan? What action does he intend to take to safeguard us from this eventuality?
§ Mr. MeacherWe would certainly regard trans-shipment via Southern Ireland as a direct export and therefore coming within the assurances which the Japanese have given us concerning heavy commercial vehicles—that is, vehicles over 3½ tons. It is, however, true that 995 goods assembled in the Irish Republic which have paid the common external tariff can have free circulation in the EEC, whether they circulate as parts or made-up vehicles. Nevertheless, I believe that the Japanese accept that this is a sensitive sector and would not encourage the particular manufacturer, J. Harris, to engage in this activity. There are many rumours about an invasion of the British market, but the figures show that this has not materialised.
§ Mr. Hal MillerCan the Minister confirm that this subject was included in a recent discussion in Tokyo between the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Japanese associations, to the satisfaction of both sides?
§ Mr. MeacherWhat the letter from MITI said was that there would be no direct exports to the United Kingdom market of heavy commercial vehicles. We have no reason to doubt that that will not be adhered to. The problem relates to the rather different situation of an assembler in Southern Ireland.