§ 6. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the shortage of water piping for rural water schemes and for farms in South Dorset; and what steps he is taking to improve supplies.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI am aware of the shortage of water piping for rural water schemes. New capacity for steel pipes installed at the end of last year is now in full production, and supplies of this type of piping have increased substantially since the beginning of the year. Production of cast iron pipes has also increased substantially since 1947, and it is hoped that there will be a further increase in 1950.
§ 7. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Minister of Supply how much water piping has been manufactured in the last 12 months; and what proportion has been exported, and to what countries.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussThe cast iron and steel pipes used for water supplies are also used for other purposes, and it is not possible to separate the production between the various end uses. Total production of cast iron pipes suitable for210W water in the last 12 months was approximately 420,000 tons and of steel pipes approximately 230,000 tons. I regret that information about the export of pipes suitable for water supply is not available as they are not separately listed in the trade returns.