§ Mr. Peter Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that sugar producers in the West Indies are unable to obtain sufficient supplies of jute in which to bag the forthcoming sugar crop; and whether he will make representations to the appropriate authorities to assist them in this matter.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsProduction of jute goods in India, the normal source of supply for British Colonial territories, is at present inadequate to meet world demands. Although allocations announced102W for the second half of 1951 are an improvement on allocations for the last six months, I am aware that they are still insufficient to meet requirements of some Colonial Territories, including the West Indies, and am considering urgently what action I can usefully take to assist them to secure increased supplies.