HC Deb 02 July 1935 vol 303 cc1683-5
9. Mr. CHORLTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade the comparative imports of textiles into African countries concerned in the Congo Basin Treaties from Japan and the United Kingdom for 1924 and 1934?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving

STATEMENT showing the quantity and value of imports of Cotton Piece Goods into the under-mentioned countries covered by the Congo Basin Treaties (distinguishing imports of United Kingdom and Japanese origin) during the years 1924 and 1934.
— Quantity. Value.
1924. 1934. 1924. 1934.
Cotton Piece Goods: (In Thousand Yards.) (In Thousand £.)
Kenya and Uganda:
Total … … 37,005 53,177 1,349 691
Of which from:
United Kingdom … … 10,739 4,917 515 139
Japan … … 12,614 46,163 352 499
Tanganyika:
Total … … 25,051 38,614 812 493
Of which from:
United Kingdom … … 1,174 2,752 48 66
Japan … … 1,818 33,081 48 368
Nyasaland:
Total … … 7,070 9,199 209 124
Of which from:
United Kingdom … … 4,989 755 143 20
Japan … … — 7,989 — 94
Zanzibar:
Total … … 10,682 4,537 377 76
Of which from:
United Kingdom … … 3,495 1,526 127 36
Japan … … 2,943 2,242 75 24
Note.—Imports of woollen and silk piece goods are of relatively little importance. Particulars of imports of artificial silk piece goods have not been included, as they are not available for 1924.
3. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the period of examination of the situation arising from the Congo Basin convention will be concluded; and what action is contemplated?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

My hon. Friend may rest assured that the matter is being pursued as expeditiously as possible, but I am afraid that I am not able at present to name a date on which His Majesty's

the desired information in respect of cotton piece goods for those British territories which lie wholly within the zone covered by the Congo Basin Treaties. Particulars in respect of the non-British territories are not yet available for 1934.

Mr. CHORLTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what action has been taken by the Government on these treaties?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

There is another question on that subject on the Paper.

Following is the statement:

Government will be in a position to reach conclusions.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Why should this relic of the free trade era be allowed indefinitely to continue to embarrass British trade?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot accept the hon. Member's description of the parentage of these proposals. We have felt it necessary to examine three treaties— Berlin, Brussels, and St. Germains—and the earliest of them dates back to 1885. The wording of the documents is obscure and considerable research is necessary into the records of the proceedings of the Conference preceding the conclusion of the Treaty in order to obtain a complete account both of the origin and the inception of the treaties. It is necessary to expend a good deal of time on this research.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

In any case, does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it will be necessary to call a conference, and is it not desirable to call a conference without further delay while these technical questions are being examined?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I realise that a conference may become necessary, but it would be a pity to have a conference with the information incomplete.

Captain PETER MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that the Congo Basin Treaty is due for re-examination this year, and what is the intention of the Government in connection with it?

Mr. BAILEY

Is it not a fact that this matter was raised in the House of Commons as far back as 1st July, 1932, and that since then the trade position has greatly deteriorated, and, in view of those facts, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make a statement at any rate before the Recess?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not think that is at all likely. There has been very sharp difference of opinion in Lancashire itself as to the bearing that these treaties have on Lancashire trade.

Captain MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that the position of Lancashire has completely changed, as is evidenced by resolutions of Chambers of Commerce passed in the last few months?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am well aware that there has been a change of opinion, but that change of opinion has come very late in the day.

Mr. KIRKPATRICK

What action is contemplated?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am not contemplating any action until the information on the subject is complete; otherwise, the action taken might be against the interests of the country.