HC Deb 25 April 1939 vol 346 cc955-6
29. Mr. Benjamin Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has completed his consideration of the Report of the Imperial Shipping Committee on British Shipping in the Orient, dated 8th December, 1938; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement?

Mr. Cross

I fear I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Smith

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he will be prepared to make a statement, as the report has been with him for a year?

Mr. Cross

The details of the scheme which are at present being considered are affected in many respects by the report of this Committee, and until these details have been formulated, I am afraid that it will not be possible to make a statement.

Mr. Smith

Is it not the fact that the Japanese are making very definite inroads into British trade in those waters, and will the hon. Gentleman expedite the consideration of this report?

Mr. Cross

We are fully conscious of that fact.

Miss Wilkinson

But you never do anything.