HC Deb 06 November 1973 vol 863 cc118-9W
Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will formulate plans designed to ensure that the restrictions which limit the importation of British motor cars into Japan are matched by corresponding restrictions on the importation of Japanese motor cars into the United Kingdom.

Sir G. Howe

There are no quantitative restrictions on the import of motor cars into Japan from this country. The import tariff of 11 per cent, on Japanese motor cars entering Britain is higher than the duty of 6.4 per cent. on British motor cars exported to Japan As the motor industry is well aware, I am always prepared to take up with the Japanese Government any official trade barriers which can be shown to be restricting sales of British motor cars in Japan.

Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will formulate plans designed to ensure that the conditions governing British investment in Japan are liberalised to the same extent as those governing Japanese investment in the United Kingdom.

Sir G. Howe

As a result of the Japanese Government's latest capital liberalisation measures, which took effect on 1st May, foreign investment in almost all Japanese industries has been decontrolled and it is now possible, with a few exceptions, for Birtish companies to invest up to 100 per cent. in new or existing companies in Japan. We shall continue to urge upon the Japanese authorities the importance we attach to removing their remaining controls including those in the field of distribution.