§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will consider taking steps to introduce a system of import certification in order to ensure effective reciprocal trade arrangements between the United Kingdom and Japan for cars and car components.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe Government do not propose to intervene in the voluntary arrangement by which imports of cars into the United Kingdom are restricted, provided that the arrangement works satisfactorily. A system of surveillance of car imports is in operation in the EEC; the European Commission and the member States are watching developments closely.
§ Mr. fain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on progress in his discussions with European Economic Community Ministers on achieving limitations on the import of Japanese cars similar to the United States of America/Japan agreement.
§ Mr. Parkinson[pursuant to the reply, 10 June 1981, c. 123]: On 19 May the Foreign Affairs Council instructed the Commission to seek from the Japanese authorities an undertaking that Japanese cars would not be diverted to the Community as a consequence of Japan's decision to reduce exports of cars to the United States, and that exports of passenger cars to the Community should be subject to analogous measures with special attention being given to member States facing particular difficulties. The Commission will continue to press for early action. Meanwhile, exports to the United Kingdom will continue to be restrained voluntarily by the Japanese manufacturers following their discussions with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.