HC Deb 18 October 1966 vol 734 cc9-11
10. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will state his plans for the development of the National Computing Centre, consequent upon the placing of the recent order for an English Electric Leo-Marconi KDF9; and what annual expenditure he intends authorising to the centre over the next relevant term of years.

12. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Technology what progress is being made with the National Computing Centre; and if he will tabulate the type of computer and name of manufacturer of computers already purchased or ordered, and the types of computers, giving names of manufacturer, which are promised on loan to the National Computing Centre for instructional and demonstration purposes.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Edmund Dell)

The Council of the Centre is responsible for developing the programme for future years and the appropriate financial provision will be made for its implementation.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that, in order to enable Professor Black to plan the Centre realistically, it is essential that he should have some assurances about continuing finance over a sensible term of years? In view of the statement which Professor Black made on the purchase of the first big computer, could the hon. Gentleman say whether the Professor is now satisfied as to the amount of finance that he will have available in the coming year?

Mr. Dell

The Ministry of Technology is giving the National Computing Centre full support, and I have no reason to believe that Professor Black is dissatisfied with the support that he is receiving.

Mr. Osborn

Was not the intention not only that computers should be purchased, but that private companies should have the opportunity of demonstrating and using computers on these premises? Is there enough money to make it large enough, and what response has the hon. Gentleman had from private computer manufacturers?

Mr. Dell

The possibility of private computer manufacturers demonstrating their computers on these premises is under consideration. The reaction to the proposal has not yet been fully developed by the computer manufacturers, but the Ministry of Technology is considering it with them. I do not think that there is any more to say at this point.