§ Mr. Gardnerasked the Minister of Power what tonnage and what mileage of large diameter steel pipes was imported by the gas industry during the last financial year; how much it is estimated will be imported this year and in 1969–70; and when the United Kingdom steel industry will be able to supply all the domestic needs in this market.
§ Mr. Mason
Tons Mileage 1967–68 … 121,000 228 1968–69 … 140,000 291 All the imports for the 1968–69 laying season have now arrived and no further imports are expected after the end of this year.
The British Steel Corporation advise me that they now have capacity to meet the expected requirements of the Gas Council and the Area Gas Boards, and that there is also some capacity at all pipe mills for export.
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