§ 31. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make representations to the Government of Pakistan about the need for a continuity in the supply of raw jute to the United Kingdom jute industry.
§ Mr. J. RodgersMy right hon. Friend is sure that the Government of Pakistan and the jute trade there fully appreciate the need for continuity of supplies.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that drought in Pakistan has caused a great deal of anxiety about the continuity of supply and concern about the possibility of unemployment in this country later this year? Will he do his best to ensure that this situation does not arise in another year?
§ Mr. RodgersIt is difficult to control the effects of weather, and it is not yet known to what extent last year's drought may affect the jute crop. The 1960 crop should be much better than appeared likely a few weeks ago. The Pakistan Government have set up a Jute Inquiry Commission, which has visited Dundee, as the hon. Member knows. We will certainly watch the position.