§ 56. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will, before approving of any grant-aided water supply scheme, make certain, in the interests both of the public purse and of the individuals concerned, that the piping used is of such a quality or is given such treatment with tar or varnish as will ensure for it a reasonably long period of usefulness.
Mr. HudsonGalvanised pipes have been available since the beginning of this year for grant-aided water supply schemes. The black iron piping which is all that was available in 1943 and earlier is liable to be less satisfactory; but if properly treated should have a reasonable length of life. The treatment that may be necessary depends largely on local conditions and is a matter for the applicant for grant who should look to the contractor undertaking the work and to any other persons concerned for advice.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs my right hon. Friend aware that in fact grants were approved but that the piping is only likely to have a reasonably long life if suitably treated? Was not that a very bad bargain for the public purse and also for the individuals concerned?
Mr. HudsonFailure in the particular case to which my attention was drawn is due first of all to the applicant not obtaining proper advice. Secondly, the statement by the, water companies concerned regarding the probable length of life of the black iron piping used in 1943 and earlier appears on the face of it to be very exaggerated.
§ 57. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Minister of Agriculture how many grants of money towards installing piped-water supplies to farmhouses and cottages have hitherto been made under recent legislation; and how many applications for such help have been received.
Mr. HudsonThis scheme was only recently instituted, and I regret that the statistics for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks are not available.