§ 12. Mr. Ellisasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what contribution his Department has made in extending the use of computers in the construction industry.
§ Mr. LoughlinA committee drawn from all sections of the construction industry and its associated professions exists to secure the wider application of knowledge and the promotion of further advances in computer applications. A number of sub-committees have been appointed to study particular fields: major conferences have been held and 14 reports have been published. The Ministry is developing a most promising system for structural engineers called "Genesys" which it is hoped to make available publicly early next year.
§ Mr. EllisWhat is this "Genesys" system, and why was this curious name picked? Surely my hon. Friend does not expect to reconstruct the building industry in seven days? Is it a biblical precedent?
§ Mr. LoughlinI would not want to get into a technical explanation of "Genesys", but in practice it is a computer library of programmes which can be used in almost any form of computer. On the structural engineering side, the first side we are doing, this will be a tremendous advantage. Incidentally, a number of countries are interested in "Genesys".
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs the hon. Gentleman aware that what the people of this country want from this Government is not "Genesys" but Exodus? [Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Back to Numbers.