HC Deb 29 January 1979 vol 961 cc1004-5
5. Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the value of British exports to Japan for the 12 months ended 31 December 1978; and what was the comparable figure for the same period in 1977.

The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Michael Meacher)

The value of exports in 1978 was £542 million. The equivalent figure in 1977 was £471 million.

Mr. Shersby

Is the Minister satisfied with the volume of exports of motor cars, motors and engines, and what are our prospects for future improvement?

Mr. Meacher

No, I am not satisfied. Despite the fact that there was an increase of 115 per cent. by value in our exports of motor cars to Japan in 1977, and 41 per cent. in 1978, the level is still extremely low. Nevertheless, I hope that the fact that there will be a major buying mission of 80 senior Japanese business men visiting this country from 25 February to 6 March will lead to significant extra purchases of cars and car components.

Mr. MacFarquhar

Will my hon. Friend make certain that British business is thoroughly informed about this Japanese mission and will take every opportunity to make the most of it? Will he also contact the Japanese side to ensure that this is not just a one-off mission? Will he encourage such missions to come regularly for the next five years so that we can really get the hang of the Japanese market?

Mr. Meacher

I assure my hon. Friend that we shall do everything possible from the British end to ensure that this is a successful mission. We have made it clear to the Japanese that we hope that this will not be a mere exploratory mission, as was the case in 1973. I assure him that we hope that this type of mission will be a regular feature of the landscape.

Mr. Sims

Will the Minister confirm that not only did our sales to Japan increase considerably in 1978 but that they increased substantially more than those of most of our European competitors, and that was during a period when the Japanese economy was relatively stagnant? Is this not a considerable credit to our exporters?

Mr. Meacher

Yes. In fact I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Export to Japan unit of the British Overseas Trade Board.