HC Deb 27 April 1965 vol 711 cc196-7
6. Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Minister of Technology if the Computer Advisory Unit will be invited to consider the balance of payments implications when advising on computer requirements over the whole public sector.

Mr. Cousins

The functions of the Computer Advisory Unit are limited to objective technical appraisals. Decisions on purchases remain with the procurement authorities.

Mr. Walker

Why, Sir?

Mr. Cousins

The role of the unit will be to make technical proposals. We have said this on a number of occasions. This is the purpose which was agreed when the statement about computers was made. It is not designed to tell people what they should buy but only why.

Mr. Maxwell

Will my right hon. Friend consider using his good offices with his colleagues in the Government to get them to insert into the Government's procurement programme a condition that firms be allowed to sell certain products and services to the Government only if they have computers on their premises?

Mr. Cousins

That may be desirable in some senses, but it would be very difficult to establish.