HC Deb 08 February 1966 vol 724 cc61-2W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Technology what estimates he has made of the proportion of machine tools in British industry over 20 years old.

Mr. Cousins

In 1961, the publication "Metalworking Production" undertook a census of machine tools in use in metal working industries, which showed that 22 per cent. were over 20 years old.

A second census is now being carried out by the same publication, with my full support, and the results should be available in July. I urge everybody who has received, but not yet completed their returns to do so as soon as possible.