The following answers to questions were circulated: -

Trade with Japan.

Mr Townley - The answers to the honorable member's questions are as follows: -

1.   Mr. Andersonhas made statements that Japanese exporters are allowing rebates to Australian importers. (I might also mention that Mr. Anderson has recently written to the Minister for Trade to say that, in the absence of any further complaints, it would appear that the problem of the rebates has been satisfactorily resolved.)

2.   The Japanese Government has been advised of this allegation: it has given a firm assurance that it will take action against offenders whenever factual information becomes available.

3.   As has been stated previously, the Trade Agreement with Japan contains no specific provision dealing with rebates or other particular methods circumventing measures taken by either Government in relation to trade between the two countries. There is, however, as the Minister for Trade has said on many occasions, a general safeguard in Article V. which is designed to ensure that no Australian industry is seriously injured through the operation of the agreement.