HC Deb 11 November 1936 vol 317 c886W
Mr. JOEL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a satisfactory solution has yet been found with regard to large-scale smuggling of goods into China to the detriment of British trade and financial interests in that country?

Mr. EDEN

My information is that there has recently been a sensible decrease in the volume of the smuggling and that the preventive services are now enabled to operate more effectively than has hitherto been possible. His Majesty's Government earnestly hope that further progress may be made in this direction so that the situation may become completely normal again.

Mr. McENTEE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the prejudice to British trade, he can make any statement as to the present extent and activities of Japanese smuggling in Northern China?

Viscount CRANBORNE

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to-day in reply to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel).