§ 39. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantity of steel pipes for oil pipelines have been imported into the United Kingdom from Japan in the past twelve months.
§ Sir J. EdenPipes for oil pipelines are not separately distinguished in the trade statistics; but I understand that in the past 12 months there have been little or no imports of such pipes from Japan.
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will issue a directive to the British Steel Corporation to manufacture steel pipes to the required technical specifications for use in the carrying of North Sea oil to the mainland.
§ Sir J. EdenNo; this is a matter for the Corporation who, I understand, are discussing specifications and associated matters with a number of the oil companies concerned.