FAR EASTERN COMMISSION

HC Deb 27 March 1950 vol 473 cc36-7

53. Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that British views are not accorded sufficient consideration on the Far Eastern Commission, what steps His Majesty's Government will take to remedy this position.

Mr. Ernest Davies

I do not accept the assumption in the first part of the Question. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the views of the United Kingdom representative on the Far Eastern Commission are accorded full consideration.

Mr. Prescott

Is it not a fact that this Commission is almost wholly ineffective in formulating policy for Japan, and almost always has been so? In view of that, what steps are being taken to remedy the position?

Mr. Davies

As stated, we are satisfied that our delegates views are receiving the fullest consideration at the present time.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Under-Secretary aware that there is considerable disappointment in the textile trade in this country at the fact that the Anglo-American Mission has yet to arrive in Japan?

Mr. Davies

Yes, Sir, we are aware of that dissatisfaction. It is not being overlooked, but that is a different question.

Mr. S. Silverman

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Lancashire cotton industry is already beginning to show adverse effects as a result of the unfair kind of competition being encouraged by the American occupying forces in Japan? If he is satisfied now, will he bear in mind that there are a great many people in this country who are not satisfied, and that in a short time the Government also will not be satisfied?

Mr. Davies

We are satisfied that the views we put forward are given full consideration at the meetings which take place. We do not say that the results at these meetings are always to our entire satisfaction, but if my hon. Friend will put down the specific point he wishes to raise I will endeavour to give a reply.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Will the Under-Secretary, as a first step, publish reports of the preliminary conversations between members of the Cotton Commission in America on the question of Japanese competition?

Mr. Davies

I will bring that suggestion to the attention of my right hon. Friend.