asked the Minister of Technology if he has received a report on the cyclical pattern of machine tool ordering from the Working Party appointed to study that subject; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to what I said in the House on this subject yesterday.

How soon after publication of the report does the Minister hope to make a statement, and, in view of the financial implications which could be therein contained, will he make such a statement before publication of the Finance Bill?

I said yesterday that I would publish the report of the Working Party as soon as possible. I intend to do so, and I do not think that the other implications arise.