asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations from the National Joint Industrial Council for the coir mat and matting industry relative to the depressed state of that industry; and what answer has been returned to those representations?

My right hon. Friend informed the National Joint Industrial Council for the Coir Mat and Matting Industry that the representations made to him on 16th December would receive consideration. No more definite reply can be given at present, but these representations are being borne in mind in the trade negotiations with India.