§ 42. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that in France over 30 per cent. of current field drainage is done in plastic pipes whereas only 3 per cent. in Great Britain was improved by this technique last year; and what steps are being taken by his Department to bring to the notice of farmers the cost advantages of using plastic pipes for drainage.
§ Mr. John MackieI think the comparison the hon. Member is seeking to make is with the Netherlands, where there are special circumstances, and not France. Our technical staff give advice on all aspects of drainage techniques including costs. Where the circumstances are such 85W that there is financial benefit from using plastic pipes, the contractors concerned can also be relied on to publicise the advantages.