HC Deb 10 December 1959 vol 615 cc724-5
17. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has recently received concerning a further reduction in Government control of imported jute goods; from what organisation they came; and what reply he has made.

Mr. Erroll

Both the United Kingdom Jute Goods Association and the Indian Jute Mills Association have represented that the mark-up on cloth imported by the Jute Control should be reduced. I am considering these representations.

Mr. Thomson

Is the Minister aware that during the period of his considerations there will be acute anxiety throughout the whole City of Dundee? Will he confirm that the proposals from the Jute Goods Association involve a substantial immediate cut in Government control of jute and the virtual abolition of control within a period of twelve months? Will he at the earliest possible moment give an unequivocal assurance that he intends to maintain the present level of jute control in Dundee?

Mr. Erroll

I think that the Government's record will assure people in Dundee that we will not do anything drastic.

Mr. Jay

Is the Minister aware that the Government's record does the reverse? Is that all he can say to relieve the acute anxieties of both employers and workers in Dundee?

Mr. Erroll

I do not think that what the right hon. Gentleman has said will do anything to reduce those anxieties.