§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the progress of negotiations to reduce or restrain the rate of growth of Japanese consumer goods exported to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MeacherThe latest in a series of discussions between the United Kingdom 19W and Japanese industries about the United Kingdom market for television sets and music centres was concluded satisfactorily in November. Japanese exports of pottery and stainless steel tableware to the United Kingdom have been restrained by the Japanese Government for a number of years on a basis acceptable to us. The British and Japanese industries meet in February to discuss our market for vehicles; the Government are concerned that a satisfactory outcome to those discussions is reached. Altogether, about one-third of United Kingdom imports of Japanese goods is now subject to understandings of this kind.