Computer Aided Design (Hansard, 9 May 1969)

§ Mr. Macdonald
asked the Minister of Technology (1) whether he will refer back to the Computer Aided Design Committee and to the appropriate subcommittee or working party the reasons why five out of the ten recommendations of the committee have not been adopted by industry; and if he will ask for comments and alternative recommendations;
(2) if he will publish the reasons given to him explaining why five out of the 10 recommendations so far received from the Computer Aided Design Committee have not been adopted by the industries concerned.

§ Dr. Bray
The five recommendations were contained in the report of the Pipe-work Design Working Party. This report, after acceptance by the C.A.D. Committee, was discussed at a general meeting in January, 1969, to which representatives of the whole chemical plant industry were invited. The five recommendations in question were concerned with work of a more advanced nature than the parts of the report which dealt with design techniques capable of immediate application in the industry. They did not at the time arouse sufficient interest to warrant the placing of contracts by the Ministry of Technology. The discussions were reported back to 143W the C.A.D. Committee and the Committee and the Ministry of Technology are considering the appropriate action to be taken.

§ Mr. Macdonald
asked the Minister of Technology what is the total cost so far to public funds of his Department's support for the two projects that have been placed with industry following recommendations of the Computer Aided Design Committee.

§ Dr. Bray
The total cost so far of the Department's support for the two projects concerned is £60,000 The two projects are:

1. A contract with I.C.L. for the operation of the Cambridge Centre.

2. A contract by N.E.L. with Elliot for two display units.

§ Mr. Macdonald
asked the Minister of Technology what is the total cost to public funds of his Department's expenditure in the field of computer-aided design, including the work at Cambridge, in the latest convenient period of 12 months.

Interest Depreciation Superannuation Other Items

£'s million £'s million £'s million £'s million

Reactor Group, including Winfrith Dounreay, Risley and laboratories … 3 5 0.6 0.4

Research Group including Harwell and Culham … … … … 2 3 0.6 0.4

Other sites … … … … 1 1 0.6 0.4

6 9 1.8 1.2

					Interest	Depreciation	Superannuation	Other Items
					£'s million	£'s million	£'s million	£'s million
Reactor Group, including Winfrith Dounreay, Risley and laboratories	…	3	5	0.6	0.4
Research Group including Harwell and Culham	…	…	…	…	2	3	0.6	0.4
Other sites	…	…	…	…	1	1	0.6	0.4
					6	9	1.8	1.2