§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Industry what recent discussions he has had with Japanese 501W Ministers and industrialists regarding possible investment in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Alan WilliamsIn addition to my recent mission to Japan, during the past month I have met members of Kankeiren—the Kansai Economic Federation—and Japanese industrialists, and others influential in investment decisions in Japan, who took part in an inward mission to the United Kingdom.
In discussions with these groups, I stressed the importance attached by the Government to inward investment and to promoting greater understanding between Japanese and British industries. I expressed my willingness to discuss in confidence any specific proposals for inward investment from Japan and assured the groups that every case would be judged on its merits taking into account the overall interests of the United Kingdom.