§ 36. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will represent to all Colonies the desirability of taking restrictive action against Japanese competition by dumping duties based on the wages and cost of living in Japan and this country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his question of the 9th of November and to the speech made by the President of the Board of Trade in the House on the same day.
§ Mr. CHORLTONMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman in his own Department is going to take some action other than that taken by the President of the Board of Trade?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERMy answer, and the speech of the President of the Board of Trade, dealt fully with the matter, and we both explained that, pending these negotiations, it was not considered desirable to take action.
§ Mr. BAILEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long it will be before His Majesty's Government will be in a position to give a plain and unequivocal answer to this question?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERHis Majesty's Government have given a plain and straightforward answer, which is that, while negotiations are taking place, they do not propose to take action which they think might prejudice the negotiations. When these negotiations are likely to terminate is a matter for the President of the Board of Trade.