HC Deb 12 July 1972 vol 840 cc1559-60
7. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the cost per item of purchases of machine tools by educational institutions in Scotland under the Department of Trade and Industry-financed scheme so far approved by and submitted for approval to his Department.

Mr. Monro

At 11th July, 1972, the average cost per item of the 197 items of equipment so far applied for was about £2,850. The average cost of the 150 items so far approved was about £2,540.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Do not those figures suggest that educational institutions are still using the scheme for the purchase of little more than glorified "do-it-yourself" gadgets? Now that an extra £6 million of the taxpayer's money has been allocated, could not my hon. Friend use his influence to impress upon institutions under his ægis the need to use this scheme for the purchase of sophisticated modern machine tools of genuine industrial application, preferably manufactured in Scotland?

Mr. Monro

I think I can accept all my hon. Friend says, and I think that the publicity raised by his Question may encourage more local authorities to apply. The date was initially 30th June, but we are prepared to take further applications. I accept also that larger and more sophisticated machine tools could well be considered if they are in the educational interest of the colleges.

Mr. Buchan

Is the Minister aware that the real question is not just the unit cost but whether the Scottish machine tool industry will survive at all? Will he encourage his colleagues in the Government to give a quick reply on the attempt to intervene to save the Wickman Lang factory in Johnstone, which represents about 20 per cent. of the entire Scottish machine tool industry? Will he consider action along the lines suggested by his hon. Friend for the use of more sophisticated material in education establishments under his control and in training establishments?

Mr. Monro

I appreciate the hon. Member's concern on his constituency point and I hope that education authorities will apply for more machine tools. Money is still available from the grant that was set aside, and perhaps following our exchange of questions today more applications will come in. They will be considered by Her Majesty's inspectors as soon as they arrive.