asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if supplies of jute have been secured by his Department; if so, to what extent; and if he will make a statement on the jute position at the moment, in view of the general demand for and shortage of sacks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jute for Sackmaking.
The Indian Government have advised that for the half year ending 30th June, 1947, this country has been allocated 2,550 tons of raw jute and jute goods. This represents an improvement on previous allocations and, notwithstanding a falling off in imports of secondhand sacks, the position should be easier, during the coming months, than for several years past. The demand for sacks for grain, seed, sugar, etc., is, however, far greater than in pre-war years, and it will still be necessary for traders to exercise strict economy in the use of sacks.
Does the Minister consider the amount of jute which has been promised by the Indian Government sufficient to keep the jute factories working at full time until further supplies arrive?
I cannot answer that question but it is more than we have had for several years.
It is a good thing to see the position improving.