§ Mr. Hamlingasked the Secretary of Slate for Education and Science what progress has been made in the provision of computers for universities since the Government's acceptance of the programme recommended by the Flowers Group; and what will be the cost to public funds.
§ Mr. CroslandSince my statement of 21st December last on the Flowers Report approval has been given to the upgrading of the K.D.F.9 computers at the seven universities recommended by the Flowers Group and to configurations and installations for 21 other universities. These approvals include the computer for the
Application Granted in whole or in part Rejected Deferred for further consideration Science Research Council … 1,078 832 185 61 Medical Research Council … 516 377 139 — Agricultural Research Council … 73 56 17 — Natural Environment Research Council … 101 75 18 8 Total … 1,768 1,340 359 69 These figures relate to the financial year 1st April, 1965 to 31st March, 1966, except in the case of the Natural Environment Research Council which was set up on 1st June, 1965, and for which as near a year as possible has been taken (1st June, 1965, to 23rd May, 1966).
114Wintended regional centre at Edinburgh, where a joint scheme between the University and the English Electric Company to develop soft ware for multiple-access working in connection with this machine is being planned. The total cost of all these computers is about £4.8 million and the expenditure will be spread over the financial years 1966–67 to 1968–69.
I should like to take this opportunity to thank Sir Willis Jackson and the other members of the Panel which has advised on these immediate requirements pending establishment of the permanent computer board. Their help has been invaluable in assessing the computer applications from universities. I hope shortly to make an announcement on the permanent arrangements.