HC Deb 02 July 1947 vol 439 c154W
65. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what new steps he proposes to take to allow British cultural, educational and commercial interests and other unofficial bodies to obtain free access to Japan.

Mr. McNeil

We hope shortly to appoint an education expert to our Liaison Mission in Japan, and arrangements arc being made for representatives of British publishing firms, and the British Film Producers' Association to go there shortly. British missionaries are free to go if they can show that they can be fed and lodged from private resources, and I hope teachers will return as soon as obstacles of payment, food and lodging can be overcome. Limited private trade is to be resumed on 15th August, and as a start 400 business representatives will be admitted. Division of these 400 places between the various countries is under consideration. In addition the immediate entry of representatives of shipping, banking and insurance interests has been agreed in principle.