§ 1. Mr. Rees-Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that as a result of the present occupation policy in Japan, control of the 1930 economic and political life of the country is being increasingly placed in the hands of reactionary and treacherous elements; and whether he will instruct our representative on the Allied Council to take every step possible to counteract this policy.
The Minister of State (Mr. McNeil)The present Japanese Government came into office as the result of a general election in April last, based on universal suffrage, in which over 75 per cent. of the electorate voted. My information is that this Government is doing its best to co-operate loyally with the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and to deal in a democratic manner with the great problems of employment, labour and rehabilitation which are now so pressing. It is expected that a fresh general election will be held in the New Year when the Japanese people will again have an opportunity to express their views, and it would be an unnecessary interference with this democratic process to cause the Allied Council to intervene.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWould the Minister say whether it is true that Japanese industry is being handed back to the relatives of those people who controlled it prior to occupation?
Mr. McNeilJapanese industry is being treated in different ways, and, of course, proper care has been taken to deal with the people previously associated with the military régime of Japan.
§ Mr. John PatonMay I ask my right hon. Friend if, in view of the importance of the proceedings of the Allied Council in Tokyo, and also of the Far East Commission in Washington, he will have some account of the proceedings placed in the Library, so that Members interested may have some continuous record of the proceedings?
Mr. McNeilThere is a good deal of Press publicity available on the subject, but I will consider the point made by my hon Friend.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HamiltonWith regard to American assistance in occupied enemy territories, has the Minister's attention been drawn to a report of American opposition to the socialisation of industry in the British zone in Germany?
Mr. McNeilMy attention has been drawn to that Press report, and I am very glad to give an assurance that it is absolutely without truth.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanMay I ask my right hon. Friend how far socialisation of industry has gone in Japan, and, if it has not yet commenced, on what basis they are trying to cure economic problems?