HC Deb 30 May 1933 vol 278 cc1689-91
2. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the resolution of the council of the Federation of British Furnishing Textile Manufacturers, of which a copy was sent to him, with regard to the menace to the textile industry of Great Britain arising out of Japanese competition both at home and overseas, and asking for the exclusion from this country and from the Colonies of products produced by labour which is remunerated at rates with which this country cannot contend; and what action is being taken in the matter?

10. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Japanese manufacturers are preparing to export to this country Bill quantities not only of manufactured goods but of manufacturing machinery of all kinds; that in the Japanese engineering industry the employes work 60 hours a week for wages of 5s. 9d. for labourers, 14s. for fitters, and 25s. 3d. for skilled mechanics; and what action he proposes to take to protect British workers from bring reduced to the same level?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

I am aware of the growing extent of Japanese competition and of the low level of wages ruling for industrial workers in Japan, and, as I have previously stated, the whole question is under consideration. I would remind my hon. Friends that the question of the proper measure of protection for industry in this country is one which falls to be considered and decided in the first instance by the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the light of all the relevant factors.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the wage for A skilled female operative in Japan is about 9d. per day; and is he also aware that in Malaya, which was previously a British market, Japanese cotton print goods are now being sold at 2d. a yard, whereby 75 per cent. of this class of goods in Malaya is now supplied by Japan?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir; those facts are known to us.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to reply to the last part of Question No. 10: What action he proposes to take to protect British workers from being reduced to the same level?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

We are taking the necessary steps to prevent unfair competition against our own manufactured goods being extended within British territory.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I would like to know what are the steps that are being taken. The right hon. Gentleman says he is taking the necessary steps; what kind of steps does he call necessary?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I think my hon. Friend was not here when I announced that we had already given notice of the withdrawal of the West African Colonies from the Anglo-Japanese Trade Agreement. That was done with the object; of freeing the West African Colonies so that they could give a preference to British goods.

Captain PETER MACDONALD

Does the same apply to Ceylon, where 90 per cent. of the cotton goods are imported from Japan?

12. Captain POWER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before any Anglo-Japanese trade agreement is settled he will place Parliament in possession of the main outlines so as to ensure that the interests of Lancashire are fully safeguarded and that nothing is approved which will interfere with the Chinese market?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

There is at present no question of the negotiation of a trade agreement between the two Governments.