HC Deb 30 April 1931 vol 251 cc1813-5
75. Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is made a condition that the Anglo-Scottish Beet-Sugar Corporation, and similar companies, should stipulate, when buying jute bags, that both the bags, and the cloth from which they are

Australia and India in the undermentioned years as estimated by the International Institute of Agriculture:

made, should be manufactured in this country; and whether the cloth, from which the bags that are at present on contract are being made, is being made in this country?

Dr. ADDISON

I have no power to impose upon beet-sugar factory companies a condition of the kind referred to in the hon. Baronet's question. I am, however, informed that the Anglo-Scottish Beet-Sugar Corporation has arranged for all their supplies of jute bags for the coming sugar campaign to be manufactured in this country as in past years, and that replies so far received to inquiries which they have made show that the cloth will be of British manufacture. I have no information regarding other companies.

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these orders have been placed with merchants in Dundee, and, as far as one can find out, none of them have arrived at the manufacturers, as the price was such that manufacturers in this country could not accept them. These orders therefore will go to the Continent. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman bring some influence to bear on the beet-sugar companies?

Dr. ADDISON

The hon. Member seems to be misinformed; and I shall be glad to give him further information about these supplies. At least 80 per cent. of these supplies are already assured to British manufacturers.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Is it not the case that the 80 per cent. refers to Dundee, where these bags are made, and that the cloth is being made in Dundee to that extent?

Dr. ADDISON

I think that is so.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a stipulation to prevent these orders going to the Continent?

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the other 20 per cent. is made in Dundee?