HC Deb 08 December 1937 vol 330 cc379-80
39. Sir Percy Harris

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on whose initiative it has been decided to impose new quotas on textiles imported into Malaya?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The initiative came from the local Government after the fullest local investigation. For the reasons stated in the communiqué issued to the Press, the change has been made with the complete approval of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

Sir P. Harris

Are we to gather that the unofficial minority representing the people who live in the district approved this policy, or was it merely an official majority who approved it? Is that not another example of stimulating world trade by putting new obstacles in the way of the passage of goods?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

If the hon. Baronet will read the communique, he will see that under the working of the quota proposed some time ago in Malaya, in particular classes of goods various adjustments have to be made. It is obviously a matter for local experience. It is worked out mainly by the Customs Department, which has to deal with this matter.

Sir Arthur Salter

Will these changes on the whole have the effect of increasing prices for the inhabitants of Malaya?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I should not have thought so. I believe foreign trade is, as a matter of fact, very little affected. Certain classes of Japanese goods may be affected.