§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the, Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the announced intentions of removal of available "Controls," they are yet able to announce plans for removal of control from jute manufacture; and if not, what are the reasons for the continuance of the present control.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, there is no control of United Kingdom jute manufacture, and the only control that remains is the centralised purchase by the Jute Controller in Dundee of Indian and Pakistan jute yarn and manufactured goods. Until an alternative method of safeguarding the United Kingdom jute industry can be worked out and introduced, I am unable to announce plans for the removal of this centralised purchase. The 807 unrestricted imports from India and Pakistan of the much lower priced imported goods would have a serious effect on the prosperity, efficiency, output and employment in the Dundee area, where the industry is heavily concentrated. I cannot at present give any indication when it will be possible to introduce alternative safeguarding methods.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply and regretting that he is unable to give an indication of when control may be relaxed, may I ask whether, since any continuance of the existing system of bulk purchase appears contrary to the principles of G.A.T.T., under which we have taken engagements, it does not seem likely to give encouragement to other countries to break their engagements with G.A.T.T., and particularly to encourage France to persist in her present policy (contrary to G.A.T.T.) of heavy export subsidies, so damaging to British exporters in neutral markets?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, that is a complicated question, but I am afraid that I cannot accept that the matters are necessarily connected in the way which the noble Lord implies.