Japanese Textile Production

HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 cc2099-100

20. Mr. Stanley Prescott

asked the President of the Board of Trade what request was made in 1947 by His Majesty's Government, through the Far Eastern Commission or otherwise, to the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan, that Japanese textile production should be increased; what was the reason for such request; and what limit was indicated for Japanese textile production.

Mr. H. Wilson

In February, 1947, the Far Eastern Commission, at the instance of the United Kingdom member, issued a directive to General MacArthur on Short Period Controls to Relieve World Shortages of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Among the objectives there stated are the restriction of Japanese consumption of textiles and the stimulation of Japanese production of textiles for export. The reason for this directive was the urgent need for cotton textiles in the Far Eastern Countries which had been devastated by the war, including British territories, at a time when no alternative source of supply was open. No overall limit was indicated in the directive for Japanese textile production, because of the low level of existing Japanese production as compared with pre-war capacity.

Mr. Prescott

Will the right hon. Gentleman formulate a policy on the level of Japanese production in the near future, and when formulating such a policy will he bear in mind the needs of Lancashire and the importance of the Lancashire textile trade of this country?

Mr. Wilson

As the hon. Member knows, we have been giving a lot of attention to the question of Japanese competition recently, and there have been certain talks across the Atlantic following discussions in which he and another hon. Member took part.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that Lancashire does not require to be protected against Japanese competition by imposing a ceiling on that production, but only by seeing that Japanese production is on a good labour standard so that we are not undercut?

Mr. Prescott

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the moment in Japan standards of labour are not such as will ensure that in the future Lancashire will be able to compete on a reasonable basis?

Mr. Wilson

Yes, Sir, we have the point very much in mind about the quality of labour standards and the best safeguard against Japanese competition is to increase the level of efficiency of production here.