§ 2.36 p.m.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any study of the problem of engineering standards and whether they are aware of the importance of rationalising standards in so far as exports are concerned.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY (LORD SNOW)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are aware of the importance of engineering standards in relation to exports, and have been studying the problem since the time they took office. An inquiry is being made into the extent to which greater standardisation can assist the country's export trade. This inquiry is embracing engineering standards in other countries and the effect of legislation on standards practice.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he feels that these inquiries and studies which have been going on are sufficient? Does he remember that his right honourable friend said in May that the gestation period of three years for British standards was rather too long? What action is now being taken? Are the Government no longer poised for that instant action which the Prime Minister described the Labour Party as being before the Election?
§ LORD SNOWMy Lords, the Government are poised for instant action on this complex, interesting and extremely important subject. It must sound dull to noble Lords, but actually it is far from dull. The study is proceeding with great speed. It will take a considerable time to get the whole thing finished, as the noble Earl knows, but we shall report from time to time as action becomes possible.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHI am grateful to the noble Lord, and I hope that he will press his right honourable friend to follow up the views which he has already expressed.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, does the noble Lord know how many importing countries have already adpoted the modular dimensions, four inches or ten centimetres? Does the noble Lord know how many of those exist?
§ LORD SNOWMy Lords, I think I should have to have that question on the Paper, but I will give the noble Lord full information within a few days.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, if the noble Lord would inquire of the Modular Society, I believe that they could give him right away all the information he needs. I happen to be President of the Society.