§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his assessment of the total amount which could be saved if industry is able to maximise the benefits of terotechnology; what action he is taking towards this end, with particular regard to the endowing of studies at universities and other educational institutions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo assessment of the total potential savings can yet be made but it has been estimated that better maintenance engineering practices, which is one aspect of terotechnology, could save manufacturing industry alone up to £550 million per annum. Wide publicity has recently been given to these potential savings by means of a series of advertisements in the national Press and a large number of technical journals. The Department has financed a number of studies by educational institutions and the Committee for Terotechnology is at present considering other ways in which the benefits of terotechnology can be made known.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has been having with the various bodies concerned with a definition of terotechnology; what agreement has been reached; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe current definition of terotechnology is at present under review by the Committee for Terotechnology. Discussions with many interested bodies have been held at open meetings, and further seminars and con ferences have been arranged.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to encourage engineering institutions to take further initiatives with regard to multi-discipline education, training and management studies so that engineers are better able to deal with the demands of current and future terotechnology.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe Department's Committee for Terotechnology is in continuing consultation with the engineering
371Winstitutions and other bodies to consider how the educational and training needs of engineers can best be met in relation to terotechnology. Both the Committee for Industrial Technologies and the Department attach great importance to the multi-disciplinary approach in this field, which was the subject of a recent con ference organised by the Council of Engineering Institutions and the Department. Every opportunity will be taken to reinforce this approach at further meetings and conferences which have been arranged.