§ 49. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the state of the concrete pipe industry; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonRepresentations have been made by the Concrete Pipe Association and by a number of individual manufacturers about the state of the industry as a result of the drop in demand. They have been told of the level of the contracts which regional water authorities expected to place in the current financial year and that the authorities were aware of the importance of placing contracts as soon as possible within their expenditure limits. The position on the placing of orders is being reappraised and I am arranging for the Deprtment to have a discussion with the association very shortly.