asked the Secretary of State for Industry what study he has made of the impact of imported Japanese bearings on the British bearing industry; and if he will make a statement.

Imports of plain bearings from Japan have no significant effect on the United Kingdom bearings industry. However, imports of ball and roller bearings from Japan have taken an increasing share of the value of the United Kingdom market, rising from 4·65 per cent. in 1972 to 6 per cent. in 1977. These figures disguise the concentration of the Japanese effort on a limited range of bearings. Moreover, their low prices caused serious difficulties for manufacturers in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the EEC, but, in 1977, the Japanese manufacturers undertook to raise their prices after the Commission of the EEC had upheld complaints of dumping. We shall continue to keep a close watch on the position.