§ 80. Mr. Randallasked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions, are taking place with the United States Government concerning the desirability of not compelling Japan to rely almost entirely on her cotton industry to maintain her economy.
§ 79. Squadron-Leader Flemingasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the encouragement given by the Allied Supreme Command to the Japanese concentration on textiles to build up their export trade; and what directions on policy His Majesty's Government have given to the British representative on the Allied Supreme Command in this matter.
§ Mr. H. WilsonGeneral MacArthur is the Supreme Commander in Japan for all the Allied Powers. The framing of policy is the responsibility of the Far Eastern Commission in Washington, whose policy decisions are transmitted as directives to General MacArthur. His Majesty's Government is represented on the Far Eastern Commission, and by the United Kingdom Liaison Mission in Tokyo, which is in close and continuous contact with General MacArthur's Headquarters.
Textiles have always represented the major part of Japan's export trade, and proportionately they still do so. It is not, however, the case that the occupation authorities are encouraging this tendency. On the contrary, despite the limitations on heavy industry, General MacArthur aims at developing a more even balance of Japan's export trade between the various industries than has been the pattern hitherto. Moreover, although the proportion of textiles to other exports is now about the same as pre-war the volume of such exports is very greatly reduced. No discussions are taking place, at present, with the United States Government on this point.
§ Mr. RandallIs not my right hon. Friend aware of the very strong fears now existing in Lancashire, and will not he do something to bring about some discussions whereby those fears which exist in Lancashire and in the industry may be allayed?
§ Mr. WilsonI am well aware of the feeling and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, there have been discussions between the two industries on this point.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in the pottery and silk industries we are aware of this problem and we urge the Government to get into economic negotiations with the United States about the situation in Japan as soon as possible?
§ Mr. TolleyDoes my right hon. Friend tell the House that from time to time the general policy to be pursued is discussed between His Majesty's Government and representatives in the Far East, and, if so, shall we have the opportunity of putting down Questions as to that policy?
§ Mr. WilsonI hope to have the opportunity, in a Debate later this week, to make a rather fuller statement on this general question. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will wait until then.