HC Deb 12 June 1947 vol 438 cc1315-6
10. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been made with regard to the right of British firms to trade with Japan; and what arrangements have been made so far as the payments in dollars or sterling are concerned.

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir. As my hon. Friend will have read in the Press, an announcement was made by General MacArthur in Tokyo on Monday last authorising the resumption of private trade with Japan, with certain limitations, from 15th August next. The Orders relaxing the United Kingdom trading with the enemy restrictions have already been issued. As regards the second part of the Question, negotiations on these and other points, including the size of the quotas of business men from each country to be permitted to enter Japan, are still proceeding with the American authorities.

Mr. Davies

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for that answer, may I ask whether the 11 nations concerned with the set-up in Japan have met to discuss the possibilities of fixing the international commercial rate for the yen; and could he also state whether the United States Commercial Corporation will control this trade in Japan, as some of us are given to understand, after 15th August?

Sir S. Cripps

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put those Questions on the Paper.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

On which system are these men to be allowed to go to Japan? Will it be by selection, or will it be open to anybody?

Sir S. Cripps

It will probably be on the basis of allocating certain numbers from each nation. That has not yet been settled, but anybody who wishes to go should communicate with my Department.