§ 22. Mr. Moonmanasked the Minister of Technology how many computers were in use in Great Britain in 1960, 1965 and 1968; and how many he estimates will be in use in 1971.
§ Dr. BrayThe numbers of computers of all kinds, other than computers used for defence purposes, in use in the United Kingdom at the end of 1960, 1965, and 1968 have been estimated at approximately 200, 1,500 and 4,000 respectively. I estimate that by the end of 1971 the corresponding figure will be over 7,000.
§ Mr. MoonmanIs my hon. Friend aware that if we are trying to advance the British computer industry and avoid buying American, these figures are still 1351 dismal? Does he agree that the original 1965 predictions have not been met? Therefore, will he seriously consider making representations to the industries concerned to see how we can make the best possible improvement and maintain the figure he has now given for 1971?
§ Dr. BrayI am not sure what 1965 estimates my hon. Friend is referring to, but we have successfully increased our estimates every time we have made any. As for the contribution of British manufacturers to this figure of computer usage, it is substantial. Indeed, it is greater than in any other country outside the United States. We are confident that the industry's contribution in future will be greater still.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWhat is the present proportion of British computers, and what is it estimated to be in 1971?
§ Dr. BrayThe proportion of British-made computers is about a half, but I could not give an estimate for 1971 without notice.
§ Mr. James Hamiltonis my hon. Friend aware that many computers are unnecessarily being imported? Is he aware that Honeywell in my constituency can cope with the market quite capably, and that in many cases, even with nationalised industries, it is not afforded the opportunity to tender?
§ Dr. BrayThe contribution of American computer manufacturers in this country is very welcome, and the terms under which they sell their machines to the public sector have been well known for a number of years. There is no restriction on Honeywell sales to the public sector.
§ Mr. HordernIs the Minister saying that the number of computers at present in operation in the United Kingdom exceeds that in operation in France and West Germany and Japan?
§ Dr. BrayThe latest figures I can find that are in any way comparable are for 1967, and are as follows: United Kingdom, 2,600 France, 1,400: West Germany, 3,100 Italy, 1,400.
§ Mr. David PriceDoes not the Minister agree that numbers of computers tell us nothing? It depends entirely on the size, computing power and software pro- 1352 gramme. Could he not, with the industry, think of a more effective method of measuring the computing power from year to year than simply talking of numbers of computers, which are meaningless?
§ Dr. BrayWe have just published figures for the turnover of computer service firms, which is a step in the direction the hon. Gentleman suggests. However, I think that the figure for total numbers of computers in use is meaningful, because there is a distribution of the different sizes in use in different countries.