§ 16. Mr. Ormeasked the Minister of Technology if he will give the import and export figures for the machine tool industry for 1964; and how these figures compare with 1962 and 1963.
§ Mr. CousinsIn 1964 new machine tool imports were valued at £33.2 million and exports at £43.2 million. The corresponding figures for the previous two years were:
1962— Imports £27.6 million. Exports £36.9 million. 1963— Imports £26.2 million. Exports £44.5 million.
§ 17. Mr. Hamlingasked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to 198W improve the performance of the machine tool industry by setting up publicly-owned factories.
§ Mr. CousinsMy Department is making an urgent study of the machine tool industry and in the light of it I shall formulate whatever proposals seem best suited to increase its efficiency.
§ 24. Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Technology if he will hold an inquiry into the machine tool industry, with a view to formulating Government policy in regard to it.
§ Mr. CousinsI do not propose to institute an inquiry by an outside body since my Department is already making a study of the machine tool industry.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Minister of Technology whether he will institute an inquiry to take further proposals considered by the Mitchell Committee.
§ Mr. CousinsI do not propose to institute an inquiry by an outside body since my Department is already making a study of the machine tool industry.