asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether imported clay piping for land drainage is in large supply in dumps throughout the country; and, if so, at what cost; and, further, if he will state the present value of this piping.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clay Piping for Land Drainage.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a firm manufacturing clay pipes have supplies of clay piping suitable for land drainage schemes on hands and that foreign-manufactured pipes are being imported, with the result that workers are idle and production slowed up despite many representations to his Department; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is necessary to import clay drainage pipes for use in connection with the land reclamation scheme; and, if so, if he will state from where they are imported and the reason for importing them.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 73 and 74 together.
From 1950 to early this year, the home production of clay drainage pipes was insufficient to meet requirementsfor the purposes of the land reclamation scheme. Consequently, it was necessary to import pipes. They were imported from the Netherlands and Germany. Small quantities were also brought in from the Six Counties.
Supplies of these imported clay drainage pipes are not held in large quantities throughout the country. At present there are approximately only 250,000 imported pipes held by my Department in store in different parts of the country at a total cost and present value of about £6,000.
Imports of clay drainage pipes are regulated with due regard to the interests of home manufacturers. Since 1950 more than 20,000,000 pipes have been imported, of which, as already stated, only 250,000 remain in dumps. In the last six months the only case of pipes imported by my Department was one in June, 1953.
I am aware that one of the manufacturers claims to have 1,000,000 pipes on hands. This is, in itself, no evidence that home production would have been capable of meeting demand during the years from 1950 or indeed is yet capable of meeting it. The quantity represents only about ten weeks' production.
The question of future imports of clay drainage pipes will depend solely on the position of supply and demand. The matter will be carefully kept under review at all times.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many pipes were imported in June, 1953? I think he referred to it in the answer.
No, I have not got that information.