§ 14. Mr. Lambertasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of galvanised and asbestos piping which is preventing many schemes to provide a water supply to farms from being implemented; and what steps he is taking to increase supplies.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussAdditional plant for the production of steel water tubes has recently been installed and is now operating. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works that 157W the capacity to produce asbestos pipes is being fully used, but production is insufficient to meet both home and export requirements. An increase in manufacturing capacity would not at present improve the supply of pipes except at the expense of other asbestos and asbestos cement goods, owing to the shortage of asbestos fibre.