§ LORD BARNBYasked Her Majesty's Government whether they have in view any revision of the existing procedure to protect the United Kingdom jute industry and its workers against competition of imports from lower wage countries; and also whether they can announce any date for the demobilisation of jute control.
§ VISCOUNT WOOLTONIn accordance with the Government's policy of restoring trade to private channels, it has been decided that the purchase and importation of raw jute by the Jute Control shall cease at an early date following discussion with the industry, which I shall institute immediately. Public trading in imported jute goods must continue mean, while, until appropriate measures to safeguard the United Kingdom jute manufacturing industry under conditions conducive to efficiency can be worked out and introduced. The Government is giving full consideration to this problem, but cannot promise any early solution.
House adjourned at seven minutes before seven o'clock.