§ 3.12 p.m.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what co-ordination has taken place between the Ministry of Technology and the Ministry of Defence regarding their requirements for computers.]
§ THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE FOR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (LORD SHACKLETON)My Lords, there has at all times been close co-ordination and 992 representatives of each Department have taken part in examination of civil and military requirements.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask him whether he can tell me how often discussions have taken place since the Ministry of Technology was set up? Would he also like to comment on the report that between £6 million and £8 million worth of Government money earmarked for computer development may now be wasted if there is a move towards a design of American origin?
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, I do not think I can speculate on the last part of the noble Earl's supplementary question—which in any case seems to be based on reports which are not themselves accurate. As I have said, there is the closest co-operation; and the short answer to how often the various officials meet is that it is as often as is necessary and desirable. There is, in fact, a continuous series of meetings of committees, and otherwise, on what is a very important matter—namely, policy with regard to the development of the very large number of computers that will be needed in the future.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, since certain British firms have, I understand, been exporting computers to America, would not the noble Lord agree that it would be unfortunate if we now had to import machinery of American design into this country?
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, this is all extremely premature. Her Majesty's Government have, in fact, done a great deal to encourage and help, directly help, the British computer industry, and the hope is that it will have the largest possible home and export market. I hope the noble Earl will accept that his fears so far are without foundation.
§ LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDALMy Lords, could the noble Lord say whether Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that the fullest possible use is being made of computers that are now in existence to ensure their best possible utilisation in the public interest?
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, with the greatest respect, that really is another question.