§ 24. Lieut-Commander AGNEWasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the signatory Governments and the Government of Siam have yet considered the extension of the period of the international tin control scheme as provided for in the agreement of 27th October, 1933?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)Yes, Sir. The question has been considered by all the interested Governments, and discussions are still proceeding.
§ Lieut. - Commander AGNEWWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that the present fluctuation in prices, resulting from uncertainty as to the future of the scheme, is causing great anxiety among United Kingdom producers of the metal and jeopardising their ability to continue production?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThat applies not only to United Kingdom producers but also to Colonial producers. Undoubtedly, the fluctuations are due to the uncertainty created by the attitude of the Siamese Government. I hope that that Government will shortly come into line with the rest of the countries, and that the scheme may go on.
§ 25. Lieut.-Commander AGNEWasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the delegation of the Malayan Government is directing its influence towards securing an extension of the international tin control scheme after 31st December, 1936?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, Sir.