§ Mr. David Howellasked the Minister of Technology which Government Departments under the Development of Inventions Act, 1965, have asked the National Research Development Corporation to undertake projects on their behalf at the Department's risk and expense; and if he will give details of the financial out-turn so far.
§ Mr. BennThe National Research Development Corporation has been asked to undertake only one project at a Government Department's risk and expense.
The Corporation is managing on behalf of my Department a scheme intended to encourage the wider use of numerically controlled machine tools by enabling suppliers to offer them to customers on a "sale or return" basis. Twelve manufacturers are participating in the scheme and three machine tools have been sold and delivered. Further sales are in prospect. The scheme is capable of supporting sales to a total value of £3½ million–£4 million. It is not at this early stage possible to assess its financial outcome.
The response to the scheme from users has so far been very limited. I welcome this opportunity of drawing attention to
196Wmachine tools, showing the purpose of the machine, the name of the firm and the value of the contract in each case.
§ Mr. BennPre-production orders for advanced machine tools and associated equipment have so far been placed to a value of £1,908,500. Following are the details:—
it and very much hope that industry will appreciate its advantages.