§ 60. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider taking steps to impose an exchange dumping duty to prevent the dumping of imports from countries as, for example, Japan, whose currency is abnormally depreciated?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the problem to which the hon. Member refers, but I fear that action on the lines he suggests, even if it were practicable having regard to existing commercial treaties, would be undesirable in view of the possible reactions on our own export trade.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYMy right hon. Friend is aware that this Japanese competition is having a most serious and growing effect on the British industry both in the home market and in the export market. Is he further aware that from answers given in this House there is a general impression that it is the inability of the Board of Trade to make up their minds that is preventing action being taken; and will he give some assurance to the House that the matter will be proceeded with and some definite policy put forward?
§ Dr. BURGINThe hon. Member may rest assured that there is no such inability as he referred to in his supplementary question, and that the whole matter of Japan's trade and its effect is very much under consideration at the present time.
§ Mr. J. P. MORRISWill my hon. Friend give consideration to the question of giving notice for the termination of the Belgian Congo Treaty and the Anglo-French Convention?
§ Mr. THORNEHave the Board of Trade or has any Member of this House ever been able to give a satisfactory definition of what is called "dumping"?