§ 37. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade which 1723 British industries have made representations that their interests would be harmed by the abrogation of the Anglo-Japanese trading agreement; and will he give particulars?
§ Dr. BURGINNo such representations have been received.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn view of the fact that representations from various important trade bodies for the abrogation of this Treaty have been made to the Board of Trade, and that the balance of interest is obviously in favour of the abrogation of this trade agreement, will my hon. Friend give some assurance to the House that a decision on this matter will be arrived at within a reasonable time?
§ Dr. BURGINI am most anxious to help the hon. Member. In by far the greater number of cases the object of the questioner becomes apparent, but I can assure my hon. Friend that I have not the least idea what he means by the question he has put on the Order Paper, or by his supplementary question. It is not a fact that there are requests for the abrogation of this Treaty. There are requests with regard to the Congo Basin Treaty, but not as to this. With great respect to the hon. Member, I think he is under a misapprehension. If he will confer with me, I shall be glad to give him all the information in my possession.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIf I submit certain facts dealing with the situation as recently revealed, will the hon. Member consider the matter carefully with a view to getting a settlement of what is considered, particularly in respect to the cotton trade, a matter of outstanding importance?
§ Dr. BURGINI shall be most happy to do so.