§ 4. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, owing to the high tariff on imports into China, smuggling has grown so profitable that it is becoming increasingly difficult for legitimate British traders to carry on business; and whether he will direct His Majesty's Minister in China to discuss the matter with the Chinese Government?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)Yes, Sir, I am aware of the prevalence of smuggling into China, which must obviously cause prejudice to legitimate business. His Majesty's Minister has from time to time discussed the question with the Chinese Government. I understand that the number of preventive vessels has recently been increased, and in the circumstances I do not feel that special instructions to His Majesty's Minister are called for.
§ Mr. CHORLTONCan my right hon. Friend say whether the steps that have been taken arising out of the previous incidents are resulting in any reduction in the smuggling, and, if not, should not something further be done?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have not any comparative figures that I can give my hon. Friend, but he will have noticed from the terms of my previous answer that the number of preventive vessels has recently been increased. We are in communication from time to time on the subject.