§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the fact that the Federal Republic of Germany sold 6,000 cars to Japan in the first four months of 1973 compared with the British performance of 400, what his Department proposes to do to improve the British performance.
§ Sir G. HoweWe shall continue to give every encouragement and assistance to British manufacturers in Japan as in other markets. The primary task before the industry, however, is to expand production, particularly of those British cars which are in demand in Japan.
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§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in order to improve trade with Japan, whether he will advise exporters to study the local market and its specific requirements, and ways of improving delivery times and servicing.
§ Sir G. HoweYes. The British Overseas Trade Board gives a high priority to assisting British exporters in their understanding of the needs of the Japanese market. The Exports to Japan Unit has been specially established to promote interest in and understanding of the Japanese market amongst British exporters and in the course of this work particular stress is laid on delivery and service.
Grants Loans Equity Capital £ million Total Assistance Companies in which the State has an interest … 25.2 28.9 14.0 68.2 Other Companies … 17.5 14.2 — 31.6 All Companies … 42.7 43.1 14.0 99.8
§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what aid has been provided to the shipbuilding industry during the first quarter of the financial year 1973.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantSpecial assistance given direct to shipbuilding companies during the period 1st April 1973 to 30th June 1973 amounted to £7—4 million. This figure includes £2—6 million by way of loans, £4—8 million in construction grants and a small amount of interest relief grant, but does not include shipbuilders relief or any assistance given under general measures of support for industry.