§ 53. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that Article 15 of the Congo Basin Convention, 1919, provided for a conference of the parties in 1930 for the purpose of introducing into the convention such modifications as experience may have shown to be necessary, and that such conference has not yet been held, will he take steps to summon a conference of the nations signatory to the convention in order that the way may be made 1087 clear for the introduction of preferential duties in Nyasaland, Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, and Rhodesia?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEAll aspects of this complicated question are being carefully examined by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs it not a fact that this matter has been under examination for over two years, and that during this time the markets have been rapidly captured by Japan; and is it not necessary that we should take action now and call a conference; otherwise, the trade will almost entirely disappear?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEMy hon. Friend knows that the question of modifying this convention is very complicated, both as to its possibility and its desirability, and I cannot agree, in view of the complicated nature of the problem, that the examination has been unduly prolonged. I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSHas my hon. and gallant Friend investigated the possibility of denouncing the Berlin and Brussels Acts as a preliminary to the denunciation of the present Treaty?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThat is a separate question.