asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what conditions the advisory officers of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland request the use of clay and plastic land drainage pipes respectively.

Advisory officers of the Department never request the use of either clay or plastic land drainage pipes. It is always for the farmer to decide which type of pipe to use. I understand, however, that, when consulted, some advisers recommend plastic pipes in peaty soils because of their longer length and firm jointing.