§ 5. Mr. MOREINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report from His Majesty's Ambassador in China on discrimination against British shipping in favour of Chinese at the port of Lao Yao, the terminus of the Lung-Hai railway; and whether, in view of the importance of this port as the chief outlet of the trade of Northern Central China and for the furtherance of friendly relations between the two countries, he will make urgent representations to the Chinese Government for the removal of all restrictions which may unfairly hamper British shipping in competing on equal terms with Chinese ships at Lao Yao?
§ The PRIME MINISTERBritish vessels are entitled to trade with the port of Lao Yao, the importance of which is fully recognised, under Inland Water Navigation Regulations, and I understand that certain difficulties have arisen with regard to the application of these regulations. My right hon. Friend is expecting to be furnished shortly with a report on the subject, which will receive careful attention.
§ 10. Mr. NEIL MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of Japan regarding the ultimatum delivered to the Chinese administration in Pekin demanding the setting up of a Government in North China independent of the central Government at Nanking?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe autonomy movement in North China recently formed the subject of conversations between His Majesty's Government and the Japanese Government, details 884 of which were given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 5th December in the course of the Debate on the Address.
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESMay I ask why the right hon. Gentleman refers to this as an autonomy movement in Northern China?
§ The PRIME MINISTERBecause I believe it is the correct definition.
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESDoes the Prime Minister seriously suggest that this movement is not one of Japanese domination rather than autonomy?