§ 1. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for India whether the quantitative restriction of imports into India arranged by the Indo-Japanese 2 trading agreement is inclusive of all Japanese imports, whether through Native States or British-India?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)The quantitative restriction referred to is inclusive of Japanese imports into all Indian States except Cutch. The reason for this exception is that the State of Cutch alone among Indian maritime States has retained its own Customs Tariff and has not accepted the British Indian Customs Tariff. The Government of India are, however, taking active steps to ensure by the establishment of a preventive cordon against Cutch that the quota is not exceeded.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn view of the fact that the importations into Cutch in the first three months of this year already amount approximately to 20 per cent. of the total importations into India under the Treaty, will my hon. Friend treat this matter as one of urgency; and, secondly, will my hon. Friend say whether he has obtained assurances from the Government of India in respect of the Treaty rights of Kathiawar?
§ Mr. BUTLERDealing with the first part of the question of my hon. Friend, I refer in my original answer to the fact that the Government of India have already taken steps. In regard to the second part of the question, I should like to have notice.
§ 29. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he 3 will shortly be able to announce the steps to be taken or that are in contemplation in Jamaica and/or other parts of the British West Indies to counteract the excess imports into those parts from Japan?
§ 30. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the importation of piece goods into Ceylon from Japan in the first two months of this year is more than double the quantity imported for the corresponding period last year; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to prevent the vertual extinction of the Lancashire piece-goods trade in this colony?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I am aware of the further increase in Japanese cotton imports into Ceylon. As my hon. Friends are aware, the whole question of Japanese imports is receiving the close consideration of the Government. I cannot at this stage usefully make a statement.
§ Mr. CHORLTONHas the right hon. Gentleman nothing to say about Jamaica and the West Indies? Are no steps being taken to meet the request of Jamaica?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think it would be very unfortunate to make a statement at this moment. My hon. Friend may rest assured that action is being considered, and I think he will agree that it would be unfortunate to make a statement until we can make a comprehensive statement on the whole matter.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when the statement will be made?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, but it will be as soon as possible.