§ 23. Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current balance of trade position with Japan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonOur trade statistics show a visible trade deficit with Japan in 1983 of £2,557 million. This is partially offset by a surplus on invisibles of the order of £700 million. The Japanese government has introduced some measures to encourage imports of manufactured goods and their industry is continuing to restrain exports to the United Kingdom in a number of areas. We and our EC partners will continue to press Japan to tackle its structural resistance to imports.