HC Deb 13 April 1972 vol 834 cc235-6W
Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what study his Department has made of the foreign penetration, over the last 10 years, of the British home and traditional overseas markets for ball and roller bearings; what conclusions were reached; and what help and advice he gives to the industry.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Representations have been made to me by the industry about the growth in imports of Japanese bearings into this country over the last five years with a request that the Government should ask the Japanese Government to limit voluntarily the growth of bearings sales to this country. The information provided by the industry is being studied and I hope to let it have the Government's views shortly.

Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion by volume and by value of ball and roller bearings is produced in special development, development and intermediate areas.

Mr. Anthony Grant

This information is not available.

Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that the depreciation allowances proposed in the Budget will be sufficient to enable the British ball and roller bearing industry to re-equip for competition in the world market; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The depreciation allowances form part of a new system of grants and allowances which must be considered as a whole and in relation with other economic and fiscal measures taken by the Government. The new system is an improvement on the system it replaces. It is for the industry to decide how to take the fullest advantage of it.

Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what, in volume percentage terms, was the proportion of the British ball and roller bearing market met from the principal foreign manufacturing countries in 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966 and 1971, or other convenient years.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Figures for the sales at current prices by United Kingdom manufacturers of ball and roller bearings are available for the years 1951, 1954, 1958, 1963 and 1968. In these years the percentages of the United Kingdom market met by imports were 9, 6, 7, 10 and 17, respectively.