Mr, Oguchi began his interpellation by questioning about the concrete measures the Government had in mind for the disposal of affairs China, "Expansion of productive powers mentioned as one of these measures," Mr. Oguchi stated. "What is meant by that? The four-year programme," he continued, "undertaken by the Government for that purpose, is confined to 15 items of military goods. Can the economic strength of a nation be achieved by military goods only?
"The expansion of a general economic strength gives birth to the development of war industries. The placing of empha: s only upon the n of productive power for goods is one of the most causes for the scarcity of commodities in general. As for the country's overseas trade, if the connection between the. yen-bloc countries is put out of consideration, there remains an excess of about 40,000,000 of imports over exports.
"The promotion of overseas trade cannot be expected unless there is brought about the promotion of light industries, especially of fibre industries, As for the co-ordinated economic plan running through Japan, Manchoukuo and China, where is the Government placing the emphasis "We would like to be shown clearly the concrete plans regarding the policies for the plentifulness of commodities and their low prices. Mr. Ginjiro Fujiwara, Minister of Commerce and Industry, talked about res. pecting the of the people, but the economic policies adopted by the Government last autumn were entirely counter"to his statement "We are also told that the ce modity mobilization plan was di up by the National Planning Board, but its contents have not yet been made known.
There can be no establishment of policies for low commodity prices without a presentation of a commodity mobilization plan.
died us talons "Keeping things secret is not the way of settling problems," he added. At this time of grave importance, the Government should stand firmly upon their convictions, and, getting rid of their bureaucratism, go hand-in-hand with the people."
Emphasis was being placed by the Government to increase production in coal, iron and other important commodities, Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai, the Premier, replied. Adjustments would be made in carrying out the programme for the expansion of productive power so as to prevent industry from being oppressed, Mr. merce and Industry, declared.
"The Government is paying keen attention to the stabilization of national life," he continued answering Mr. Oguchi. "Commodity prices will be fixed as soon as possible in keeping with actuality instead of theory," Mr. Fujiwara said. "In enforcing these price policies, the Government intends to ce-operate with the industrialists so that the will of the people may be duly taken into consideration."
The readjustment of Chinese currency, Mr. Sakurauchi, Finance Minister stated, was essential in dealing with the question of trade and currency among yen-bloc countries. The maintenance of the value of the Federal Reserve Bank notes depended upon Japanese support, he added.
Following replies to the questions, Mr. Oguchi continued his interpellation,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.