asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of pipes and tubes of all types suitable for rural water supply installations have been exported in 1945–46, 1946–47 and 1947–48, respectively; and what is the expected export tonnage this year.

I regret that information as to the exports of pipes suitable for rural water supply is not available as such types are not separately specified in the trade returns. No forecast can be made of the expected export tonnage this year.