HC Deb 13 May 1966 vol 728 cc134-5W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that since all quota restrictions on Japanese cutlery imports to this country were lifted in January under the terms of the Anglo-Japanese trade agreement, imports of cheap Japanese cutlery have swamped the United Kingdom market and are a threat to British industry; if he will impose safeguards against this; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Darling

There has been an increase in imports of cutlery from Japan since the lifting of import restrictions, but the Japanese cutlery industry are operating a voluntary system of control over exports to this country. I am keeping a close watch on the level of imports in consultation with the industry.