HC Deb 08 March 1934 vol 286 cc1995-6
40. Major PROCTER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent resolution passed by the Japanese textile organisations concerning the unacceptability of the British proposals regarding the countries to be included in the negotiations of the Anglo-Japanese conference in London, he is now in a position to make a statement?

42. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make a statement on the Lancashire-Japan textile negotiations?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

The discussions between the representatives of the United Kingdom and Japanese cotton and rayon industries are still proceeding, and I cannot in these circumstances appropriately make any statement on the matter.

Major PROCTER

Seeing that these negotiations are being stretched out to a very great length, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that notice should now be given to terminate the 1911 Anglo-Japanese Treaty, including the most-favoured- nation clause?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise on the question to which the hon. Member has had an answer.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

May we take it that the Board of Trade are in close contact with these negotiations and are giving all the help that they can?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

May the House be assured that the Government are watching these negotiations and affording the textile delegation the fullest assistance which lies in their power, and that they are endorsing—

Hon. MEMBERS

Speech.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

May I have a reply to my question?

Mr. SPEAKER

Exactly the same question by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) has already been answered.