asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the world shortage of jute, any action has been taken to relieve the shortage by growing in Uganda jute or a kindred fibre such as Hibiscus cannabinus.

The possibility of introducing jute in Uganda has received, and is continuing to receive, the attention of the Uganda Government. I am informed that Hibiscus cannabinus is already used in Uganda as a source of fibre. The question of developing alternative fibres to jute in the Empire is at present being comprehensively examined and I propose to await the results of that investigation before considering whether production of Hibiscus cannabinus or other fibres should be encouraged to meet export demands.