HC Deb 15 February 1966 vol 724 cc1086-7
8. Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Minister of Technology what progress is now being made in the establishment of a national data processing establishment with a computer field.

Mr. Cousins

The possibilities of establishing a national data processing centre are being studied.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Would the Minister not agree that the establishment of such an organisation would be of great benefit to industry and commerce in making them more aware of the great benefits which can be derived from this sort of service?

Mr. Cousins

I certainly accept that this is a valuable contribution to make and that the knowledge to be gained by industry would be extremely useful. However, a great deal has yet to be learned about the idea of a central data processing system. Hon. Members who have been to America, as has my opposite number on the Front Bench opposite, will agree that a lot remains to be done with M.A.C.