HC Deb 22 March 1956 vol 550 cc1450-1
22. Mr. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now permit carpet manufacturers and others to import on private account, independent of the Jute Control, such jute manufactured goods, including yarn, from India and Pakistan and elsewhere, as are required for carpet manufacture and other manufactures in the United Kingdom.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer my hon. Friend to reply which I gave to him on 14th February.

Mr. Nabarro

That was a very unsatisfactory reply. Is it not the fact that if British carpet manufacturers and others engaged in similar industries were allowed direct access to supplies from India and Pakistan of jute manufactured goods and yarn, they could, therefore, buy more cheaply and assist their own export prices for British manufactured carpets?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am sensible that there might be advantages in altering this policy but there would be substantial disadvantages for Dundee and manufacturers here. I am not in a position to tell my hon. Friend that we propose to change our policy.

Captain Duncan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the suggestion contained in the Question would bring ruin to Dundee and the surrounding area? Will he take what steps he can to stop my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) from asking such tactless questions?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The reply to the second part of that supplementary question is "No, Sir."

Mr. Nabarro

Is it the correct interpretation of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question that he is now in favour of nationalisation?

Mr. Speaker

We are getting very far from the Question.