§ Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that concrete pipes are made down to 4 inches diameter and that concrete glazed pipes suitable for sewage work 12 inches in diameter are available at 5s. 6d. per yard compared with 9s. yd. for stoneware, and that the whole of the West Middlesex sewage scheme was completed with such pipes; and why is it that such pipes are not being used in camps at Devizes, Perham Downs and Bulford?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have now ascertained that such pipes are in fact made, but, that in the diameters mainly required by us, stoneware is cheaper.
1494WI have already informed the hon. Member of the reason why stoneware pipes were considered preferable. Further, although consideration was given to the utilisation of concrete pipes where the larger diameters were required, such pipes would have needed from a month to six weeks for curing, and urgency was the over-riding consideration in the completion of the Militia camps. The West Middlesex sewage scheme was of a different character, and I understand that urgency was not there the primary consideration.