asked the Prime Minister if he will issue an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to pay an official visit to London.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is always welcome here but there are no plans to issue an official invitation at present.

The Prime Minister will know that for its export earnings the Bangladesh economy is largely dependent on jute and jute products, but is he aware that the proposals within the EEC to impose duties on jute products will have a devastating effect on the Bangladesh economy? Will the right hon. Gentleman therefore undertake to study the problem and take it up with our partners in the EEC when he next meets them?

Yes, Sir. I am perfectly prepared to arrange to have the problem studied further and for it to be dealt with in the Council of Ministers, which is dealing with the question of special arrangements for the sub-continent. Some of these arrangements have already been made, as I think the right hon. Gentleman knows. I am perfectly prepared to ask my right hon. Friend to have a further look at this matter.