§ 12. Mr. MarlowTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the potential market for industrial lasers, and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Industry and Consumer Affairs (Mr. John Butcher)The Department commissioned a study of the industrial laser sector in 1986 and has access to assessments made under Eurolaser, the Eureka programme, to promote the development of high power lasers and their use for materials processing in manufacturing industry. However, it is principally for industry to assess the market potential for industrial lasers.
§ Mr. MarlowI thank my hon. Friend for that wideranging, full and eloquently delivered answer. Has he the statistics with which he could illuminate the statement that he has just made?
§ Mr. ButcherYes, Sir. About £260 million was assessed as the total market for industrial lasers two years ago. I am advised that that is growing by about 18 per cent. per annum.