HC Deb 18 January 1972 vol 829 cc135-6W
Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the availability of raw jute supplies for the textile industry on Tayside.

Mr. John Davies

Yes. My Department has been and will remain in the closest contact with the problem. A delegation from the Association of Jute Spinners and Manufacturers is visiting the sub-continent and has succeeded in buying jute in India, hitherto not a supplier. As a result of this endeavour, and others by individual Dundee firms, the supply position should materially improve: short-time working has now been substantially reduced. However, anxiety must remain until the normal supply pattern is re-established, and this is being energetically pursued on the spot by representatives of both the industry and Her Majesty's Government.