68. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the President of the Board of Trade what stocks of jute were held in this country at the end of 1947; and how many months' production this figure represented.
§ Mr. Bottomley (Secretary for Overseas Trade)On 30th December, 1947, there were 33,576 tons of raw jute in stock in this country, and 19,536 tons afloat. These amounts together represent six months' consumption at the present level.
69. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the President of the Board of Trade how much jute he expects to import from India during the first six months of 1948; and whether this quantity will be sufficient to maintain last year's level of production.
§ Mr. BottomleyIt is expected that the quantities of raw jute received from India and Pakistan during the first six months of 1948, with the stock held at the end of 1947, will be sufficient to maintain last year's level of consumption.
Mr. Scott-ElliotDoes this include shipments from Chittagong, which, I believe I am right in thinking, is within Pakistan?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, there are some arrivals from Chittagong.
§ Mr. W. FletcherHas any unilateral customs or export duty been placed on jute by either India or Pakistan?
§ Mr. BottomleyThat is a matter we hope to deal with later, arising out of discussions which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, are now going on.