§ 1. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the eight countries which took most British exports in the last month for which figures are available.
§ The Minister for Trade (Mr. Cecil Parkinson)In February of this year the eight countries which received the largest values of United Kingdom exports were the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States of America, the Netherlands, France, the Irish Republic, Switzerland, Belgium-Luxembourg and Sweden.
§ Mr. KnoxIs it not significant that most of the countries that my hon. Friend mentioned are members of the EEC? Is there any guarantee that we would still be able to sell as much in those countries if we were not in the EEC?
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe removal of barriers against our goods in those countries has, on the whole, helped the increase of trade between us.
§ Mr. McNallyIs it not an absolute disgrace that Japan does not figure on that list? For how long will the Department allow Japan to build up massive trade surpluses and exploit our third markets? For how long will we continue to do nothing while exports continue from "fortress Japan"?
§ Mr. ParkinsonWe already have voluntary restraint arrangements with the Japanese on motor cars, machine tools, televisions and electronic components. I agree that it is a pity that Japan does not figure among our leading 10 export markets, but the Government have an "Exports to Japan" unit and a permanent showplace in Japan. Our trade with Japan is increasing, but not fast enough.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleDo not those figures show how important our growing trade with Europe is for jobs in Britain? If we severed our links with Europe, would not jobs be severely threatened?
§ Mr. ParkinsonMy hon. Friend is right. Of our exports, 45 per cent. go to fellow members of the Community. They are among our fastest growing markets.
§ Mr. John SmithWas the Minister disappointed with the attitude that the Japanese Government displayed during recent discussions with the European Commission, in which they indicated their preference to deal bilaterally with the States of the EEC? Is not that a cue for the Government to make it clear that they will consider all trade relations with Japan on a bilateral basis rather than through the EEC, which is clearly ineffective in that regard?
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe right hon. Gentleman knows better than any other hon. Member that arrangements other than informal arrangements of the industry to industry type which we have on motor cars, are a matter for the EEC. It is impossible for Britain to impose quotas on Japan without the full co-operation of other members of the Community. If I may say so, the right hon. Gentleman is asking a cheap, simplistic and untypical question.