§ 12. Mr. Blakerasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what grants he has made towards research into the use of plastic pipes for hot water supply.
§ Mr. PrenticeNone. Sir. The plastic manufacturers are devoting a great deal of research and development effort to this, and may expect considerable returns from success in this field. My Ministry is keeping closely in touch with progress, and the Building Research Station is also carrying out some work in this field.
§ Mr. BlakerDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is a very important sphere indeed, in view of the uncertainties about the supply and price of copper? Would he consider the payment of grants to encourage an urgent study into this matter?
§ Mr. PrenticeI agree that this is a vitally important matter and that is why we are keeping closely in touch with progress. However, we believe that at the moment there is no need for Government grants because a great deal of research and development is being done by the manufacturers themselves.