§ 47. Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the United Kingdom's trading relations with Japan, both bilaterally and in competition for major contracts in third countries.
§ Mr. ChannonThe United Kingdom and its community partners continue to press for a significant increase in Japan's imports of manufactured goods. Competition in third countries remains intense, but the Government's new soft loan facility will assist United Kingdom exporters.
§ 49. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement reporting progress in reducing the visible trade imbalance between the United Kingdom and Japan, following the action programme announced by the Japanese Government last July.
§ Mr. ChannonImplementation of the action programme is well under way, although it is too early to judge what impact this will have on Japan's low propensity to import. The Government, and the European Commission, will monitor progress closely.