HC Deb 27 April 1965 vol 711 cc194-5
2. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the results of his visits to machine tool works and his study of this field of technology.

16. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on his plans for the building of Government factories to manufacture machine tools.

Mr. Cousins

My visits to machine tool works have provided a valuable opportunity for seeing and discussing some of the problems of this industry. They form a part of the study which my Department is making of these problems and in the light of the results of this study I shall formulate whatever proposals seem suited to increase the efficiency of the industry.

Mr. Smith

In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has seen, has he abandoned the idea of State-owned machine tool industries?

Mr. Cousins

Certainly not. I said that we would undertake a study and take such steps as are appropriate.

Mr. Lubbock

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that when he made his statement on computers he promised to give the House an equivalent statement on machine tools within the next few weeks? When will that be?

Mr. Cousins

It is my intention to give such a statement as soon as possible. As I have said, we wish to take as much cognisance as we can of the views expressed so that we may make an appropriate report and statement.

Mr. Marples

Can the right hon. Gentleman say now when we are likely to get this statement?

Mr. Cousins

It is not possible to go further at the moment than to say that I will present it as soon as the necessary information is available.