§ 34. Mr. LEVYasked the President of the Board of Trade, if, in any arrangements as to a Tariff Truce, he will reserve the right of this country to deal with the problem of Japanese competition in textiles both in this country and other parts of the British Empire?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI can assure my hon. Friend that the point which he raises will be constantly borne in mind by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. LEVYDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the long hours worked by, and the low rate of wages paid to, the Japanese workmen constitute such a menace that no Western country can compete with them?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe question of Japanese competition is very prominently before us at the present time, and I can assure my hon. Friend that it will be borne in mind in relation to the question which he has asked.
§ Mr. HANNONIs my hon. and gallant Friend in consultation with some of our Overseas Colonies, the West Indies, for example, where this competision is peculiarly felt?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, we are in consultation with a number of the Overseas Colonies on the question.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn view of the fact that this matter is being further considered in relation to the Tariff Truce, may we expect to get a definite settlement before very much longer?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am afraid that I cannot add anything to the answer previously given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.