§ 52. Mr. CROSSLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the decline of the exports of Lancashire cotton piece-goods to the Federated Malay States during the past two years, and of the simultaneous capture of that market by Japan; and whether he will confer with His Majesty's representatives in that colony with a view to regaining our former share of its cotton imports?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Robert Hamilton)My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the matter and he is in communication with the High Commissioner for the Malay States.
§ 53. Mr. CROSSLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, during the first four months of this year, out of a total of 17,620,000 yards of cotton piece-goods imported into Kenya and Uganda only 2,040,000 yards were from the United Kingdom as against 10,040,000 yards from Japan; and if he has in mind any steps for securing a greater share of this market for the Lancashire cotton industry?
§ Sir R. HAMILTONMy right hon. Friend is aware of the position. My hon. Friend will remember that the Convention of St. Germain en Laye provides for equal treatement in the matter of import duties over an area which includes Kenya and Uganda.
§ Vice-Admiral TAYLORIs not this a good argument for the revision of the treaty in favour of British goods?
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYWould not an effective way of dealing with this matter be to introduce some system of Empire preference?