§ 8. Mr. Dykesasked the Minister for Trade what trade developments he foresees between the United Kingdom and other European Economic Community member States in the remainder of 1982 and throughout 1983.
§ Mr. Peter ReesI have no doubt that our fellow Community countries will continue to constitute overwhelmingly the largest market for British goods abroad, and I look forward with confidence to the further development of mutually beneficial trade across the Channel.
§ Mr. DykesDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that a generally very favourable picture of a build-up of United Kingdom visible manufactured and invisible exports is marred by certain disadvantages, notably in the insurance industry? Will he make energetic moves as soon as possible to take up with the Trade Ministers of the other EEC countries the possibility of breaking down the barriers in individual countries which prevent our insurance companies expanding their business in those countries?
§ Mr. ReesI am greatly concerned about the lack of progress with the draft insurance directive, and I am also concerned with the total liberalisation of trade and services in the Community. This is one of the matters which I shall be discussing with the relevant Commissioner, Herr Narjes, tonight.
Mr. Edwin WainrightWill the Minister take into account the lack of competitiveness of this country in the EEC and the fact that there is in the EEC a greater understanding between Governments, banks and the trade union movement about production? What do the Government intend to do to try to create greater co-operation between themselves, employers and the trade union movement, instead of combating and confronting the trade unions on every occasion?
§ Mr. ReesThe hon. Gentleman raises a question of enormous breadth. I am sure that the House is anxious to see that British industry should be as competitive as possible, and this means an input from many sources.
§ Sir Peter EmeryWill my hon. and learned Friend raise at the Council of Ministers the possibility of considering those areas of trade where the Japanese are likely to make major infiltrations into European markets in the years ahead, so that Britain and Europe may be better prepared to deal with them than we have been in the past in certain technical and motor industries?
§ Mr. ReesI understand my hon. Friend's concern, but it is not always easy to forecast with accuracy where this laser beam approach is likely to make impacts in the future. We have this matter under constant review. Many representations have been made on behalf of the European Community, and proceedings are under way under article XXIII of the GATT.