§ 14. Major PROCTERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which Colonies and Protectorates have implemented the action of His Majesty's Government in restricting the imports of Japanese cotton textiles in the Colonial Empire; whether Ceylon has taken action; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe passing of the necessary legislation has been reported in the following territories: The Straits Settlements, Nigeria, Gold Coast, the Gambia, Jamaica, Trinidad, Bahamas, Malta and Somaliland. Legislation has been introduced in a number of other Colonies, but reports of the passing of it are not yet to hand. In Ceylon the Board of Ministers are introducing legislation in the State Council.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESHas the right hon. Gentleman any information to show that a great deal of these cheap Japanese goods which are being imported into the Colonial Empire are imported by merchants living in London and of English origin?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThat may very well be so, but it certainly is no reason why we should not pursue a policy of Imperial co-operation.
§ Mr. DAVIESWould it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to take steps in London to prevent this being done?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, that would be impracticable and ineffective. We have taken steps in London to see that a proper tariff is put upon foreign goods coming in here. We are now taking steps in the Colonies to see that adequate safeguards are provided there.