§ 18. Mr. Dempseyasked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to increase the number and improve the quality of designs of industrial machines in those industries which are sponsored by his Department, with a view to making the United Kingdom more competitive in world markets.
§ Mr. MarshThe Ministry of Technology is acting upon the recommendations of the Feilden Committee on engineering design, which have the aim of raising the general quality of design throughout British industry.
§ Mr. DempseyWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that in the printing industry, for example, machine supplies are dominated by Germany, due not to a 222 lack of material or skill on our part but to a lack of design? Will he try to do something about this?
§ Mr. MarshMy right hon. Friend is very well aware of this type of problem. Without being committed on the specific point mentioned by my hon. Friend, a great deal of work is being done, particularly in the sphere of machine tools, with increased research and development, pre-production contracts and numerical control. A great deal of assistance is being offered.