HC Deb 21 January 1987 vol 108 cc579-80W
109. Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made during Britain's presidency of the European Community in maintaining pressure on Japan to act to reduce trade surpluses.

111. Mr. Sayeed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made during Britain's presidency of the European Community in maintaining pressures on Japan to act to reduce trade surpluses.

112. Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made during Britain's presidency of the European Community in maintaining pressures on Japan to act to reduce trade surpluses.

Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made during Britain's Presidency of the European Community to maintain pressures on Japan to act to reduce trade surplus.

Mr. Alan Clark

Under the presidency of the United Kingdom the European Community strongly pressed Japan to improve market access through the early implementation of appropriate macro-economic policies and the removal of non-tariff barriers. Discriminatory taxes on imported alcoholic drinks, including Scotch Whisky, became a test case of Japanese intentions, but their concessions announced in December did not go far enough. The Community is therefore continuing to pursue against Japan its GATT case on this particular issue, launched during the United Kingdom presidency. Discussions with the Japanese Government on other current problems continue.