HC Deb 18 June 1984 vol 62 cc21-2W
Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many machine tools were imported from Japan in 1983; and of these how many were imported through Belgium.

Mr. Channon

The provisional figure for numbers of metal-working machine tools consigned from Japan and imported into the United Kingdom in 1983 is 3,222.

Information on the number imported from Japan as country of origin could be provided only at disproportionate cost, and information on those imported via Belgium is not available.

Source: Data corresponding to SITC/R2 Sub-groups 736.1, 736.2, 736.7 and 736.8 (part) in the United Kingdom Overseas Trade Statistics.

Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if there was an agreement between his Department, the Machine Tool Trades Association and the Japanese on the number of machine tools that should be imported from Japan in 1983.

Mr. Channon

There was no agreement between my Department and the Japanese on the number of machine tools imported in 1983. However, in the light of the increase in import penetration of the European Community market by Japanese numerically controlled lathes and machining centres, the Commission took this matter up with the Japanes Government early last year and sought some reduction in Japanese exports to the Community. The United Kingdom industry also discusses the state of

consultants, all of whom have degrees and ACA qualifications, and a trainee accountant. The Department has accepted the nine primary standards. Present practice already largely complies with these standards. Work is in hand to ensure full compliance but some of the changes needed, notably the programme of training for internal auditors, will take some time to complete.

the United Kingdom market with the Japanese industry. There has been some moderation of their exports of these goods.

Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate how many British firms are manufacturing Japanese machine tools under licence.

Mr. Butcher

Such agreements are not notified but the Department is aware of five agreements between United Kingdom and Japanese machine tools companies which provide for Japanese machine tools to be manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of Stale for Trade and Industry what percentage of national output of machine tools was exported by (a) Japan and (b) the United Kingdom.

Mr. Channon

In 1981 the proportion for Japan was 35 per cent. and for the United Kingdom 58 per cent. Provisional figures suggest that in 1982 the Japanese percentage was a little lower and the United Kingdom percentage a little higher.

Source: American Machinist.