§ 7. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology what assistance his Department has given to the development of technology which involved adapting machine tools for left-handed operators.
§ Dr. BrayNone, Sir. There is not sufficient evidence to suggest that it is necessary to design or adapt machine tools to meet the special requirements of left-handed people. The advances made in the automatic control and loading of machine tools will, in any event, reduce such problems as may exist.
§ Mr. EadieIs my hon. Friend aware that this has been discussed very widely in engineering and industrial circles? Some research has been done into this. Does he agree that if it were developed it would have great potential for British industry? Will he consult my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity about the impact this could have on industrial retraining?
§ Dr. BrayYes, Sir. I am aware of some recent discussion not only in the Press but on the radio. But it is not obvious that a left-handed machine tool would necessarily be used more by left-handed people than by right-handed people, and the results would not necessarily be very much better.