§ Mr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the supply of jute, in view of the hostilities in East Pakistan.
§ Mr. RidleyShipment of jute has ceased, but considerable stocks are held by the jute industry in Dundee and district. The House will appreciate that it is premature to form a view on when jute shipments will begin again.
§ Mr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he 394W will make a statement about the stocks of processed jute held in the United Kingdom; and if he is satisfied that these are sufficient to meet the demands of the rug and carpet manufacturers.
§ Mr. RidleyThe domestic jute industry should be able to meet the demands of end users for the time being. I am in touch with the Association of Jute Spinners and Manufacturers about the issue ofad hoc licences to permit any necessary imports of processed jute outside the existing quotas.