§ 2. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that the machine tool industry is now in a position to meet all anticipated home demand, including an increase in demand for gap types due to changes in the defence programme.
§ Mr. MaudlingDespite decreased demands for the defence programme, the volume of the known and anticipated demand for machine tools for delivery to the home engineering industry during the coming year is such that it will continue to be necessary to import machine tools.
§ 3. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Supply the effects of German competition on the overseas markets for British machine tools; and if he will make a statement, in view of our need for foreign currency.
§ Mr. MaudlingThere are many factors affecting the export of British machine tools and it is not possible to assess the effects of any one factor. Exports of British machine tools fell in 1954, but new export orders placed in 1954 were 69 per cent. more than those placed in 1953.