§ 45. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in shipping circles because, while the Nippon Yusen Kaisha Company is able to undercut British rates between Hong Kong, Singapore, Rangoon, and Calcutta, owing to the liberal grant of State aid by the Imperial Japanese Government, no British ships may carry passengers or cargo from one Japanese port to another under the law of 17th July, 1911, which will be operative until 16th July, 1923, while Japanese steamers have, free access to the Indian coasting trade; and what immediate action the Government propose to take?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the last part, if by immediate action, the hon. Member means that the Japanese Government should be approached with the view to securing a satisfactory arrangement, the answer is that proposals with this object have been made already, and are under consideration. If, on the other hand, he means that retaliatory action should be taken immediately to exclude Japanese steamers from the Indian coasting trade, the answer is that, in view of these negotiations, this step is not contemplated.