§ Mr. Barnesasked the Prime Minister whether he possesses a record of ascertained British losses in China caused by Japan's war of aggression on China?
§ Mr. ButlerMy Noble Friend has no complete record, but the total figure for the claims on the Chinese and Japanese Governments actually presented up to date is approximately £230,000. I would take this opportunity of explaining that the figure which I gave in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Chertsey (Commander Marsden) on 6th April last was based in large measure on estimates which, owing to the fall in the exchange, subsequently proved to have been excessive.
§ Sir R. Rankinasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that as a result of recent occurrences in the Far East some British manufacturers are considering the necessity of appointing Japanese firms to handle their business in China because they think that circumstances may make it impossible for British concerns to serve their interests effectively; and what steps he is taking to safeguard the interests of British trade in this particular matter?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonNo, Sir, but I shall be happy to consider any specific1008W instances to which my hon. Friend may draw my attention.