§ 19. Mr. TEMPLETONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that unemployment in the jute industry is higher than in any other branch of the textile industry, and to the fact that the imports of jute sacks in the first two months of the present year were 59 per cent. higher than in the corresponding period of 1933; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation, in view of the fact that this increase in importation is diminishing the advantages given to the export of jute manufactures as a consequence of the trade agreement with Denmark?
§ Dr. BURGINWhile I am aware that the position of the jute industry remains unsatisfactory, the increase in the exports of jute sacks and bags in the first two months of the present year, in comparison with the corresponding period of 1933, is considerably greater than the increase in the imports of these goods, and employment in the industry is appreciably better than it was a year ago.
§ Miss HORSBRUGHIs it not the fact that the decrease in unemployment in the jute industry has been more than 3,000 this year?
§ Dr. BURGINI have it in percentage rather than in numbers, but I have no doubt that the hon. Lady's figures are, as usual, correct.