§ 118. Sir R. Aclandasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent large-scale experiments have been initiated in any of the Colonies in the last six months to test the possibility of mechanically decorticating fibres which might be successfully grown as substitutes for jute.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAs a result of laboratory tests made last year and inspection of experiments in the United States and Cuba the conclusion was reached that mechanical decortication of suitable fibres was unlikely to be successful. Experiments are, however, now being made with machinery for harvesting and retting, and the first tests will be carried out in Nigeria later this year.