§ 50. Mr. HAMMERSLEY (for Mr. CHORLTON)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can report any further progress towards getting increased preference for the trade of this country with Ceylon?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I understand that the Board of Ministers in Ceylon have completed a preliminary scrutiny of the schedule of proposed preferential duties. They have referred it, in accordance with the usual practice, to the Executive Committee for Labour, Industry and Commerce for very early examination and report, with a view to the introduction into the State Council at the earliest possible date of a resolution under the Customs Ordinance imposing a new scale of duties embodying Imperial Preference on a wide range of commodities.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs my right hon. Friend aware that, owing to the abnormal fall in the value of the yen, tremendous importations of Japanese goods are taking place into Ceylon and the whole effect of Imperial Preference is being undermined; and, as this is a matter of great urgency, will be consider taking immediate steps to represent the situation to the Government of Ceylon?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI represented the situation to the Government of Ceylon the day after this House granted Imperial Preference.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYCan my right hon. Friend take any more efficacious measures to deal with the situation, which is one of grave urgency?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI cannot. I have made very strong representations as to what is in the interests of Ceylon as well as of this country, but my hon. Friend will be aware that in this matter the Parliament of Ceylon is entitled to act.