§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to remedy the shortage of copper tubing which is affecting the plumbing industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield:My Department is in close touch with manufacturers about the current shortages of copper tubes. Decisions to invest in expanded production are however for the industry to make.
United Kingdom manufacturers say that in the first 10 months of this year they have increased deliveries to the home market by 17 per cent. and imports have risen by 15 per cent., whilst consumption has risen by only 13 per cent., Although production of copper tube has been restricted lately due to a strike, now over, at a leading producer, manufacturers believe that an underlying reason 393W for market shortage has been excessive buying by some end-users.