§ 16. Mr. Douglasasked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on the current level of imports of manufactured goods into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe volume of imports of manufactured goods now appears to have settled at a level similar to that recorded in the first half of 1980, following an increase in 1981.
§ Mr. DouglasDoes the Minister agree that if we were experiencing the type of economic recovery that the Government claim, the volume of imports of manufactured goods would be declining? Will the Minister give attention to the excellent article in this week's The Economist on the Japanese economy, which shows clearly that when we have tried to place restrictions on the Japanese in one area, they have gone into another area, particularly high technology? What percentage of the manufactured goods coming into the United Kingdom are of a high technology content?
§ Mr. ReesThe hon. Gentleman may want time to study my answer to his question. If he does so, he will notice that the volume of imports of manufactured goods has declined since 1980, which bears out the point that he would like the Government to take on board. I cannot give the figures for the precise volume of imported high-technology Japanese goods without prior notice. However, if needs be, I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Sir Peter EmeryAs some manufactured imports are coming from the United States, will my hon. and learned Friend tell the House what action he intends to take against the American restrictions placed on the import into the United States of specialist steel from the British Steel Corporation? Will my hon. and learned Friend 13 consider—as the negotiations carried out by the Community have not met with as much success as we would like—taking a unilateral line concerning British exports to America as soon as possible?
§ Mr. ReesI assure the House that the Government are extremely concerned by the preliminary determination of the Department of Commerce in Washington on the countervailing duties on British steel, as well as steels from other companies in the European Community. Before we give up the idea of a Continental European approach concerted with our own, we should remember that that is a matter for discussion at the ministerial Council, which I shall attend in Luxembourg tomorrow. I hope that a robust and concerted Community position will emerge, but we shall have to consider our national position if that does not happen
§ Mr. Ioan EvansIs it not a fact that many imported manufactured goods could be manufactured in this country? Should not the Government look at their policy on exchange controls, because, after North Sea oil, one of our largest exports is British capital that could be invested in British industry?
§ Mr. ReesNo, Sir. I do not believe that we should reconsider our policy on exchange controls, nor do I believe that the protectionist policies which, by implication, the hon. Gentleman advocates would do other than harm to the British economy.
§ Mr. CormackAre we not subsidising Japanese imports by failing to work with our allies in persuading Japan to take on a greater responsibility for her own defence?
§ Mr. ReesDefence matters are not for me. The European Community is considering action against the Japanese by an application under article XXIII of GATT.