HC Deb 05 July 1966 vol 731 c225
3. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Technology what was the percentage change in net new export orders of machine tools between January and March, 1966, and the corresponding period in 1965.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Peter Shore)

Twenty-one per cent. lower.

Mr. Biffen

Are not these disturbing figures? Can the hon. Gentleman confirm that, for the six months ending in March, the figures are over 20 per cent. lower as well? Has he indicated his concern to the President of the Board of Trade?

Mr. Shore

There has been during the last three months a decline compared with the previous quarter. It is true that the trend in the last six months has been downwards but I am glad to say that, in the last month, there has been a significant upward movement. We are, of course, in touch with the E.D.C. for the machine tool industry about this and other matters affecting the industry.