Technology

Press, 11 April 1984, Page 16

Technology

Sir,—lt appears that all one has to do if an aspect of modem life becomes an insurmountable problem is redefine the problem itself, so that it fits within one’s own frame of reference. Mr Quigley seems to be doing just that in his article on technology in “The Press” of April 9. On one hand he extols the benefits of technology, observing that “it has led to massive productivity gains in some industries.” Then he goes on to attack the meat workers and railwaymen for their indifference to the allegation that “most works are grossly overstaffed.” One trembles to think where all these thousands of "supernumeraries” originated, and how they occupied themselves in the “good old days,” before the technological revolution. Finally, and incredibly, after heaping praise on this technology, he asks: “Where are the major new technical innovations?” One wonders whether or not he includes military technology and defence spending within his assessment. — Yours, etc., BILL FILSHIE. April 9, 1984.