§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he is applying different criteria in respect of the eligibility of plastic field drainage pipes and clay pipes for grant-aided schemes; and whether he will now reconsider the matter in the light of representations made to him by industry.
§ Mr. StrangAll field drainage pipes used in grant-aided schemes must conform to British Standards. There are more critical limits of pipe strength and slot size in respect of plastic pipes than in respect of clay pipes, and flaws are less easy to detect visibly. The additional Kite Mark procedure required for plastic pipes is to ensure that the necessary standard is achieved. On 28th July the British Plastic Federation requested a meeting on this subject and this is being arranged.