§ 14. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade the numbers and values of children's tricycles and toy bicycles imported from Japan into Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the years 1933 and 1934 and the first quarter of the current year; whether he is aware that the retail price of the Japanese article is slightly greater than half the cost of production of a similar article made in this country; and if he proposes to take any action to safeguard further the home industry concerned?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI regret that the figures asked for by my hon. Friend are not available, but I have no reason to think that the imports are considerable.
§ Mr. HANNONMay I ask whether any steps are in progress for an agreement with Japan so that this abnormal competition will not be continued against our industries?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat is a question on the general subject. Our relations with Japan have been talked over on more than one occasion with the representatives of Japan here, but I cannot say that we have made any progress.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to report that progress has been made some time in the near future?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot give any undertaking.