§ 29. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Trade, following discussions between the Commission and the EEC and his own initiatives, what is the extent by sector and in total to which there will be a reduction in imports from Japan and an increase in exports to that country next year; and when he expects the deficit in balance of trade to be at least substantially reduced if not eliminated.
§ Mr. MeacherWe have made it clear that the recent level of our visible trade deficit with Japan is unacceptable and that we expect Japan to buy substantially more from us in the near future. Our views are being considered urgently in Japan and I hope for early action. The Japanese are continuing to co-operate over their own exports in a number of sensitive sectors.
§ Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade in view of the recent discussions with the Japanese, if restrictions on shoe imports into Japan from the United Kingdom will be lifted.
§ Mr. MeacherWe have made representations to Japan on a number of occasions about her import restrictions on footwear, and this was one of the matters which the CBI raised with the Keidanren during their recent visit to this 31W country. I hope the Japanese Government will give serious consideration to removing this among other barriers to our exports as part of a major drive by Japan to increase purchases of manufactured goods from this country.
§ Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade in view of the recent discussions with the Japanese, what action he is proposing to take over the dumping of Japanese tapered and other bearings.
§ Mr. MeacherAn application for Community anti-dumping action against imports of rolling bearings, including ball and tapered roller bearings, from Japan has been made to the European Commission by the Committee of the European Bearing Manufacturers' Associations. This application will now be considered by the EEC Anti-Dumping Committee.