HC Deb 20 May 1985 vol 79 c279W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the level or range of tariffs imposed on British exports to Japan and on Japanese exports to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Channon

When the Tokyo Round tariff reductions are completed (in 1986–87), the weighted average of tariff rates on imports into the European Community of industrial products will be 4.7 per cent. The comparable figure for Japan will be 2.8 per cent.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quota or voluntary restraint restrictions are placed by the United Kingdom through the European Economic Community on Japanese exports to the United Kingdom; and what comparable restrictions are placed on United Kingdom exports to Japan.

Mr. Channon

Japan has agreed with the European Commission to restrain her exports of video tape recorders and cértain other industrial products. There is no voluntary restraint on United Kingdom or EC exports to Japan: we are striving to increase these. Japan has global quotas in several sectors, including for example, quotas on footwear and leather, which affect United Kingdom industry.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evidence he has of tariff, non-tariff or other restrictions imposed by the Japanese authorites on the export of British goods to Japan; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

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