Mr. Amoryasked the Minister of Works what action he is taking to increase the production of cement pipes in view of the fact that water schemes are being seriously held up owing to the long delivery at present required for piping.
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§ Mr. StokesI assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to asbestos cement pipes as these are the types used in water supply schemes. Production of all types of asbestos cement goods is limited by the world shortage of asbestos fibre, and it is not at present possible to increase the production of pipes without reducing the output of other asbestos cement goods which are needed for the building programme and for export.