HC Deb 08 March 1948 vol 448 c791
57. Mr. Donner

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the serious position of agricultural water supply installations in Hampshire due to inadequate allocations of steel for water tubing; whether he is aware that no priority is available for agriculture regarding the supply of steel tubes; and whether any action will now be taken to secure the priorities for agriculture promised last August by the Lord President of the Council.

Mr. T. Williams

I am aware of recent difficulties in securing delivery of tubes for farm water supply schemes against allocations which are, in general, adequate. This matter has been carefully reviewed recently in my Department, and I am hopeful that improvements will result, both from the new system of steel control and from special action that is being taken to accelerate the delivery of steel tubes.

Mr. Donner

Is the Minister aware that, despite licences, grant-aided water supply schemes have been held up for 18 months, and that some farms are now practically without water as a result of the drought last year?

Mr. Williams

Yes, Sir, and that is exactly why we have changed the method of steel control and steel allocation, and I hope that the problem referred to by the hon. Member will be resolved.

Mr. Donner

Does it follow from that answer that we will now get the priorities promised last August?

Mr. Williams

I am hoping that the sort of priorities referred to will be available for special cases of this kind.