§ 16. Mr. Kennedyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has observed the record fall in the United Kingdom trade with China during the first six months of this year, attributable to the Japanese capture and isolation of Canton and Kongmun and other Chinese ports; and whether any action is being taken to counteract the effect of the Japanese occupation?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware that the imports from China in the first six months of this year were less by about £760,000 than in the corresponding period of last year. Our exports and re-exports were, however, both slightly greater. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government will continue to watch the situation closely with a view to taking any appropriate steps that may appear necessary and practicable in order to protect this country's trade with China.