§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with Japan's modification of her import and export policies with regard to the United Kingdom and that voluntary restraint understandings with the United Kingdom are being observed by Japan, particularly in the case of light commercial vehicles and cars; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ReesVoluntary restraint by the Japanese has in general worked reasonably well, though there has been cause for concern in the vehicles sector in 1980 and early in 1981. We now expect the share of the United Kingdom car market taken by Japanese manufacturers in 1981 as a whole to be significantly less than in 1980. Shipments of light commercial vehicles from Japan to the United Kingdom since the end of July have fallen sharply by comparison with the corresponding period in 1980, and this trend is expected to continue into 1982. I welcome this response to our representations. Both bilaterally and through the European Commission we shall continue to press the Japanese Government to take further steps to bring a more balanced trading relationship.