§ 52. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he has studied the declaration by the Engineering Industries Association representing over 3,000 firms, a copy of which has been sent to him, regarding the need for the engineering industry to accept the financial burden incurred by automation, if it is to achieve the productivity gain which automation brings; what action he is taking following this declaration to bring about faster modernisation of industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. D. PriceI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to a recent article in theEngineering Industries Journal. The passage in question seems to me to be addressed primarily to the engineering industry itself but, as my hon. Friend knows, my right hon. Friend is at present considering what the Government might do to promote the application of automation.