§ 22. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to recommend any action to be taken by Colonial Governments to deal with Japanese competition in the West African Colonies?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)As my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has recently stated in reply to several questions, the whole 1947 problem of Japanese competition is at present under His Majesty's Government's consideration.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYMay we take it from that answer, that my right hon. Friend is considering the possibility of certain Colonies withdrawing from the Anglo-Japanese trade agreement without prejudice to this country's position as it affects the treaty between Japan and this country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs soon as my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is in a position to do so, I am sure he will make a full statement to the House.