HC Deb 24 April 1987 vol 114 c714W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about trade relations with Japan.

Mr. Alan Clark

[pursuant to his reply, 22 April 1987, c. 552]: During his recent visit to Japan, my hon. and learned Friend, the Under-Secretary of State, the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard), underlined the importance that this Government attach to the introduction of real and effective market opening measures by the Japanese authorities.

At present, we are specifically concerned with two important objectives. First, in the financial services sector, we have laid down a timetable to secure access for British firms to the Tokyo stock exchange; second, in telecommunications, we have made it clear that we attach the highest importance to the equitable treatment of Cable and Wireless and the IDC consortium bidding to supply alternative international telecommunications services in Japan.

We are also looking at Community safeguard measures which may prove necessary in the event of substantial diversion of Japanese exports following the implementation of recent United States protectionist measures.