HC Deb 29 June 1978 vol 952 cc652-3W
Mr. MacFarquhar

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the latest round of talks between the Radio Industry Council and the Electronic Industries' Association of Japan.

Mr. Alan Williams

One of the central objectives of my recent visit to Japan was to remove the misunderstanding dominating the relationship between the British and Japanese consumer electronic industries in 1977 and to replace it with a recognition of the mutual benefit that could flow from greater two-way flows in investment, technology and trade.

On 21st and 22nd June, the Radio Industry Council and the Electronic Industries Association of Japan met for the tenth time. For the first time, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest other than the United Kingdom market situation—namely, the possibilities of establishing closer commercial and technical co-operation, including the purchase of United Kingdom electronic components by Japanese companies.

The Government welcome these new and positive developments which form part of the industrial strategy being worked out by the electronics consumer goods sector working party.