§ 64. Captain DOWERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps, if any, are to be taken in the near future that will enable British West African Colonies to grant British cotton goods preferential treatment over Japanese in their markets?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)Sierra Leone and the Gambia have for more than a year past granted such preferences. Nigeria and Gold Coast are at present precluded by international instruments from so doing.
§ Captain DOWERAs Sierra Leone and Gambia are able to grant preferences to British goods would my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of the Government giving notice to terminate the Anglo-Japanese Treaty as far as Nigeria and the Gold Coast are concerned so that these two British Colonies can give preferences to British goods?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThere is a question on the Paper directed specifically to that matter which will be answered by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.
§ 32. Mr. HAMMERSLEY (for Mr. CHORITON)asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet able to report any action taken or proposed with regard to the Anglo-Japanese Treaty and West Africa?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe requisite notice of 12 months is being given forthwith to terminate the application of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty to the British Territories in West Africa.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSWill this action alone be sufficient, having regard to the terms of the Anglo-French Agreement which prevents the granting of preferences by some British West African Colonies?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANSo far as West Africa is concerned, it will be sufficient for the moment.