§ 57. Major PROCTERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the great increase of Japanese cotton imports into British India, Africa, and Australia during January of this year; and if he is now in a position to state what steps he proposes to take in order to regain these markets for Lancashire?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Japanese official trade statistics do not record any increase in exports of cotton piece goods to Australia or South Africa in January last compared either with January or December, 1933. No official figures are yet available for the African Colonies. As regards India, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that an agreement has been arrived at between India and Japan for the limitation of Japanese imports into India.
§ Major PROCTERDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has come when the Government should take bold, constructive measures?