HC Deb 26 January 1949 vol 460 c136W
97. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking in African and other Colonies to ensure an adequate supply of fibre for bags to replace the shortage of jute.

Mr. Creech Jones

The production of appreciable quantities of bag-making fibre in the Colonies has encountered many difficulties. A number of attempts to grow jute have already been made, but these have not so far produced any conclusive results. Further trial plots of jute and of certain jute substitutes have been laid out and further research is being urgently undertaken. No early large scale production can however be hoped for.