55. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the Departments concerned with a view to ensuring an adequate supply of and expedite the delivery of standard designed Dutch barns, and water piping 1634 for approved water schemes, with special reference to the loss of production which is taking place as a result of existing shortages.
§ Mr. G. BrownThe Ministry is issuing annually sufficient steel for over 2,000 Dutch barns of average size and my right hon. Friend loses no opportunity of impressing on all concerned the importance to the agricultural expansion programme of an adequate supply. There was an improved supply of water pipes for farm water supply schemes in the spring and summer; urgent attention is being given to the question of future supplies.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that delays of from three to six months are still taking place in regard to the supply of water piping all over the country? Is it not possible to do something? It is no use paying lip service to agriculture and doing nothing about it.
§ Mr. BrownThat is what I thought the hon. Member was doing. We were already aware of this problem and we are doing something about it.