§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Japanese transport companies in North China are openly touting for business from the Tientsin merchants stating that they can import goods via Dairen and the Chitung district at a saving of 75 per cent. of the normal import duty which would be levied if the goods were passed through the Chinese customs; and whether he will take steps to secure British merchants from the effects of this illicit trade?
§ Viscount CranborneMy attention has been drawn to a report to this effect in the Press. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has, on several occasions, made representations to the Japanese Government on the general question of smuggling, and they are fully aware of the interest which His Majesty's Government take in this matter.