§ 14. Mr. Kennedyasked the President of the Board of Trade what action is to be taken by the Government to deal with the problem of unemployment in the jute industry in Scotland; whether he is aware that the very serious situation is aggravated by the unrestricted and increasing imports of jute goods from India; that it is impossible for home-producers to compete against the product of cheap Indian labour; and whether he will consider revising the trade agreement with the Government of India to meet this difficulty?
§ Mr. StanleyUnemployment in the jute industry in Scotland has fallen substantially during the past 12 months. A large part of the industry is working to full capacity, and imports of jute goods from India have not increased. In these circumstances, I see no necessity for proposing the revision of the trade agreement which has just been signed between the United Kingdom and India. As regards the future, I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that the agreement contains a provision for consultation between the two Governments in the event of circumstances arising which, in the judgment of either, necessitate a variation of its terms.
§ Mr. KennedyHas not the right hon. Gentleman seen protests from the employers of the jute industry, especially in Scotland, regarding the introduction of this cheap Indian product to this country?
§ Mr. StanleyYes, Sir, I have seen protests, but at the same time I cannot forget that the Government have been forced to place a very considerable part of their orders for sandbags in India because Dundee was so busy that it was unable to fulfil the demand.
§ Mr. KennedyCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me the number of unemployed jute workers there are in Scotland according to the official statistics of the Ministry of Labour?
§ Mr. StanleyNot without notice.