§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHasked whether notice has been given of the denunciation of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of 1894; and, if so, what steps are being taken to arrange a new treaty in view of the proposed new tariff of Japan under which British goods, and especially the products of Lancashire and Yorkshire, will be severely affected?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe Japanese Government have denounced the Treaty of 1894. As regards the second part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Devizes on the 26th instant. [OFFICIAL REPORT. 26th July, 1910, col. 1917–1918.]
§ Mr. HAMILTON BENNasked whether notice has been received from the Japanese Government for the denunciation of the Treaty of 1894 as from 1st 2311W July, 1911; whether, after that date, we shall be entitled to most-favoured-nation treatment in Japan for British goods; and, if not, whether immediate steps will be taken to negotiate a new Treaty with Japan?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI have nothing to add to the reply returned to the question put by the hon. Member for Maidstone. I would, however, point out that the Treaty of 1894 terminates on 17th July, 1911, and not on 1st July, as stated in the question.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the official translation of the speech of Count Komura, in which he stated that, Great Britain pursuing what is called a Free Trade policy, there is no room for a Convention with this country; and whether, in these circumstances, His Majesty's Government have in view any basis of negotiation with Japan which will safeguard British trade from the consequences of the new tariff?
Mr. McKINNON WOODMy attention has been called to the speech made by the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to what I have already told the hon. Member to-day.