§ 4. Captain Alan Graham (for Mr. Chorlton)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the relative state of affairs with regard to smuggling in North China and its effect on the imports from this country, compared with six months ago?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Viscount Cranborne)On such estimates as it is possible to frame from the information available, the volume of the traffic during the last six months would appear to have been on much the same level as during the previous six months. It was exceptionally active in December and January, but since then the trade has shown some signs of diminishing. There have, moreover, recently been general indications pointing to a likelihood of an improvement in the smuggling situation. I am not in a position to draw any comparisons as regards imports from this country into China, as the detailed Chinese Customs figures are not yet available.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHas the Noble Lord any evidence as to the complicity of the Chinese authorities in this smuggling?
§ Viscount CranbornePerhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put that question down.