HC Deb 03 April 1973 vol 854 cc90-1W
Mr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has recently made to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Japan about the difficulties experienced by the British footwear industry with the Japanese controls and import licence system.

Sir G. Howe

None, but if the industry has encountered difficulties and will bring them to my attention I will gladly have them investigated.

Mr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now impose import quotas for Japanese footwear to the United Kingdom.

Sir G. Howe

No.

Mr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent steps he has taken with respect to the Japanese quotas for imports of British footwear.

Sir G. Howe

In the latest annual discussions for increasing trade between the United Kingdom and Japan, concluded at the end of last year, increased opportunities were made available for British exports of leather footwear.

Mr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what date the Japanese import quotas for British footwear will be invalidated by the EEC regulations.

Sir G. Howe

The Japanese import quotas on footwear are not affected by EEC regulations.

Mr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the value of Japanese footwear with soles of leather or with soles of rubber and uppers of another material, imported in the United Kingdom in 1970, 1971 and 1972, respectively;

(2) if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the value of United Kingdom footwear with soles of leather or with soles of rubber and uppers of another material, exported to Japan in 1970, 1971 and 1972 respectively.

Sir G. Howe

Footwear with soles of leather; or with soles of rubber or plastic material and uppers of another material:

£'000
Imports from Japan cif Exports to Japan fob
1970 297 61
1971 466 64
1972 529 68

The figures relate to the country from which and to which the goods are consigned, which may differ from the country of manufacture and of final destination.