§ 6. Mr. Gallacherasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give 693 an estimate of losses sustained by British trade in and around Shanghai as a result of Japanese attacks on that city?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)It is impossible to give such an estimate on the data at present available.
§ Mr. GallacherAre we to take it from what has happened there that Fascists or military aggressors can destroy to their heart's content without any objection from this Government?
§ Mr. StanleyThat is hardly a question arising from the answer which I have given.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderDo the monthly returns of trade show any marked decline in the trade with China?
§ Mr. StanleyThe preliminary figures do. Of course the Foreign Office are collecting claims for damage, but they are not yet available.
§ Mr. StanleyI have said that down to the date mentioned in the original question it was not possible to give any estimate.