§ 17. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister or Technology what was the percentage change for net export orders for machine tools between the second half of 1965 and the corresponding period in 1964.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Peter Shore)Between the second half of 1964 and the corresponding period in 1965 the value of net export orders for machine tools fell by an amount estimated at 16 per cent.
§ Mr. BiffenI congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his appointment. As the sponsoring Minister, what does he think accounts for this disturbing fall in machine tool export orders?
§ Mr. ShoreI do not think that too many inferences should be drawn from a single set of figures. It is equally relevant that outstanding orders for exports of the machine tool industry at the end of 1965 were only 2 to 3 per cent. lower than at the end of 1964. However, we shall be watching the situation.