Also at Hkk 020115
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HKKC 121/10
RELIVED IN ALG:STRY RJ. 51
15 APRI
PS/Mr Blaker
DEAK OFFICER INDEX
FA
REGISTRY Action Taken
VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INDUSTRY TO HONG KONG TELEVISION RECEIVER EXPORTS
No Mary
AW'
12
ABA
ЗА
Problem
1.
How to dissuade Mr Baker, Minister of State for Industry,
from pressing Hong Kong for a Voluntary Restraint Arrangement (VRA)
on consumer electronics goods (television sets) during his visit
there on 28-29 April.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that Mr Blaker write to Mr Baker on the
lines of the attached draft.
Background
3.
Hong Kong has a small but rapidly growing consumer
electronics industry capable of producing a wide range of goods,
including colour television receivers for export to the UK. Such
imports are still small in total volume but the industry is growing
rapidly. (BTC Hong Kong Telegram No CREDA 56).
4.
The Radio Industries Council/British Radio Equipment
Manufacturers Association (RIC/BREMA), and its Chairman,
Lord Thorneycroft, wish to see a Voluntary Restraint Arrangement
with the Hong Kong Industry, similar to those already negotiated
with other Far Eastern producers. I understand that Mr Baker
has told Lord Thorneycroft that he will press for such a VRA
during his visit to Hong Kong. This is confirmed by the brief
which DOI have prepared on this subject for the visit.
/Argument
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